Crisis Management for a Conflict with North Korea

Yonhap | English | News | May 9, 2025 | North Korea

U.S. experts have urged President Donald Trump's administration to shift its North Korea policy towards "stable coexistence" rather than a strict focus on denuclearization and deterrence. Ankit Panda and Frank Aum indicated that ongoing pressure tactics have failed to encourage restraint from North Korea, leading to a dangerous coexistence instead. The recommendation comes amidst Trump’s ongoing commitment to achieving the "complete denuclearization" of North Korea, despite speculation of reviving his diplomacy with Kim Jong-un.

The experts highlighted that the current trajectory of U.S. policy is "unsustainable." They argued that a rigid focus on denuclearization has resulted in increased nuclear capabilities for North Korea, a dangerous nuclear doctrine, and strained relations between Washington and Pyongyang. This estrangement has heightened risks of conflict, promoted nuclear armament demands in South Korea, and facilitated a destabilizing partnership between North Korea and Russia.

The proposed stable coexistence strategy aligns with Trump's desires for better relations with North Korea. Experts suggested that the U.S. should take proactive measures to reduce tensions, such as formally expressing a willingness to improve relations and initiating confidence-building actions. They stressed the importance of instilling a sense of urgency in South Korea regarding this policy, arguing that better relations with North Korea would also align with broader U.S. geopolitical goals and allow a more modest military posture in the Indo-Pacific region.