Abstract: This paper analyzes the background of the nuclear stalemate between Trump and Kim in the Hanoi Summit and investigates various issues involving North Korean denuclearization, including a detailed roadmap and proper compensation for Pyongyang. The paper uses tree cardinal perspectives of analytical tools (the will of the leader, nuclear capability, and nuclear strategy) to critically assess North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and fathom Kim Jong Un’s stance on denuclearization. The United States reaffirms CVID/FFVD principles regarding North Korea’s WMD, while Pyongyang prefers an action-for-action method of denuclearization. Although Pyongyang has announced an end to its nuclear testing and has shut down nuclear facilities, experts question whether Pyongyang really is dismantling its nuclear program. Pyongyang’s hidden nuclear facilities and accumulation of HEU in numerous places, the complicated process of verification, as well as potential traps in the details of the denuclearization agreement pose a big challenge. In light of the current nuclear stalemate, President Moon’s mediating effort to bring Kim Jong Un back to the denuclearization table is imperative. Full text available here.
