For decades, the West, particularly Washington, has grappled with the question of how to address the North Korea issue. Recent developments indicate a deepening friendship between Kim Jong Un’s North Korea and Vladimir Putin’s Russia, raising concerns about potential technology sharing, including ballistic missiles and nuclear submarine systems. While the US has responded with skepticism and warnings, its economic toolkit for dealing with North Korea appears increasingly limited.
During a visit to Seoul last year, President Joe Biden’s terse response to reporters’ questions about Kim Jong Un, “Hello. Period,” underscored a lack of engagement. Experts argue that both sides have missed opportunities over the years, leading to the current intractable situation.
Kim Jong Un has demonstrated resilience amid international pressure, conducting over 100 missile tests since 2022 and attempting to launch a spy satellite despite strict sanctions. While the US has prioritized its rivalry with Beijing over North Korea, creative diplomacy is seen as crucial. However, the path forward remains unclear, as previous talks between Kim Jong Un and former President Donald Trump yielded limited results, with a critical moment occurring at the Hanoi summit in 2019.
China’s role in the region adds complexity to the situation. While Beijing desires stability in East Asia, it may also view a Russia-North Korea alliance as a counterbalance to US influence. The US must navigate these intricate dynamics and seek opportunities for engagement in its efforts to address the North Korea challenge.
