North Korea: the Hermit Kingdom in the Global Era

North Korea: the Hermit Kingdom in the Global Era

The Conflict

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea) has been isolated from relations with the United States and Europe since the Korean War ended in 1953. During those years it has engaged in the arms trade and developed capabilities with weapons of mass destruction. It was also suspected of sponsoring terrorist activities for several decades. By the late 1990s North Korea had lost its two major supporters in trade and aid, the former Soviet Union and China, as the Cold War ended. At the same time, the North Korean economy collapsed and famine struck the country. It seemed like a good time to end its isolation. But with its background of Cold War animosity, hard-line communism, and alleged terrorist activities it is difficult for the DPKR to take the steps to reintegrate and it is difficult for some world leaders to accept the DPKR as a legitimate nation.

Political

• In the United States, political and military leaders agree that it is in the country's best interest to attempt to stop North Korea from producing or exporting any more weapons of mass destruction. Leaders disagree, however, regarding negotiating with the North Korean government: whether it should be through engagement and diplomacy or through economic sanction and isolation.

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