For at least the past twenty years, the debate about how best to deal with North Korea has focused on whether pressure and isolation are more likely to change North Korean behavior, or whether inducements and engagement are more likely to produce results. This essay will explore the nuclear, economic, and humanitarian challenges that North Korea poses to the new South Korean President Park Geun-hye, arguing that a “mainstream” consensus has emerged in South Korea with a preference for selective engagement coupled with consistent and powerful responses to provocations and a strong military deterrent, and a willingness to ignore provocative North Korean rhetoric. Called “trustpolitik” by Park, this approach faces numerous obstacles in its implementation, and will require considerable diplomatic and political skill. Whether Park can be successful where so many South Korean leaders have previously failed will depend centrally on the policies she chooses, and the responses that come from the new regime in North Korea.
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