North Korea: A Measured Displeasure

North Korea. There is always some concern among Western teams when North Korea saber rattles... I will try to give some perspective.

I see no need for alarm even amidst a new round of missile launches and an alert by the North for "full-combat posture."

Having followed North Korea since 1989 including a mix of academic work, friendships with some of the top experts on North Korea, as well as watching the more recent Trump-Kim talks... I've always felt any negotiations with the North seem like two steps forward, and one step back—not to mention North Korea is skilled at brinkmanship.

My take on the latest missile launches is that the North appears to be demonstrating measured displeasure with the breakdown in talks following the February Hanoi summit between leader Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump. 

The North also seems to be determined to put pressure on South Korea and Washington for the resumption of dialogue. Missle launches do get our attention.   

For North Korea resumption of high-level Trump- Kim talks are the key to getting sanctions lifted, which is much needed for North Korea's struggling economy.

And finally, resumption would help Kim show his leadership—many feel his failed efforts in Hanoi were damaging...including loss of face.

Questions? Comments?

Don  

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