► Comments by two U.S. officials that Washington would accept “interim steps” toward North Korea denuclearization triggered concern, primarily in South Korea, that the U.S. had abandoned denuclearization as a policy objective. ► However, a closer examination indicates the remarks were misinterpreted and reflected greater policy continuity than change. That said, in recent years North Korea has st...

► As North Korea expands and diversifies its nuclear and missile arsenal, prospects for denuclearization of the DPRK become more remote and less realistic. Nonetheless, the goal of denuclearization should not be abandoned. ► Senior Biden administration officials suggested in March that consideration be given to “interim steps” to limit DPRK capabilities. These comments attracted substantial attention in Se...

▶  ... proposing new dialogues with vaguely defined “interim” goals has engendered concern that Washington’s commitment to denuclearization is waning. ▶ ... if the U.S. is determined to pursue a threat-reduction, risk-reduction, or confidence-building dialogue with North Korea, Pyongyang will demand a high price in return for the insincere and duplicitous commitments and assurances it will...