Scott A. Snyder says that unless evidence of leadership instability in North Korea is concrete, diplomacy with the North must continue.

Paul B. Stares argues that the World Cup offers an unparalleled stage for shaming and further isolating North Korea in response to its sinking of a South Korean naval vessel.

Richard N. Haass says the United States can send a message to North Korea by signing the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.

South Korea's charge that North Korea caused the sinking of one of its warships is likely to result in a drawn-out effort to get the UN Security Council to censure Pyongyang, writes CFR's Scott Snyder.

A South Korean security expert says it is likely that North Korea will ratchet up pressure over the summer through threats and possible missile tests if Washington refuses to engage Pyongyang in direct talks.

Marcus Noland outlines two recent surveys of North Korean refugees in China and South Korea which found, not surprisingly, that North Koreans privately hold highly critical views of the regime and are rather miserable.

This report from the International Crisis Group provides an overview of the existing humanitarian crisis in North Korea and how tightening sanctions and domestic problems have deepened the DPRK human security tragedy.

The global effort to extinguish the nuclear peril needs to regain momentum. A bold act of leadership and imagination by one of the weapons-states could provide it.

The U.S. Embassy in Seoul sent this cable to the State Department on February 18, 2010. It summarizes what Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell learned from meetings with South Korean leaders and experts about the possibilities of succession in North Korea.

This CRS paper argues that while the West has little leverage over North Korea, China and Russia can exert pressure on the country due to their extensive trade relationships with Pyongyang.

Scott A. Snyder says President Obama's speech in Oslo reveals the president's views regarding North Korea-related issues.

Scott A. Snyder argues, "... any progress in the U.S.-DPRK relationship and in inter-Korean relations is likely to be mutually reinforcing."

Scott A. Snyder and See-Won Byun discuss the implications of potential political instability in North Korea.

Carolyn Leddy examines the international community's options for disrupting North Korea's illicit activities.

Evans Revere, an expert on Northeast Asia, says after U.S. special envoy Stephen Bosworth's recent trip to Pyongyang, North Korea may potentially reopen the door to Six Party Talks, given time.

The United States Institute of Peace examines the impact of the recent redenomination of the won on the North Korean people and regime.

Asia policy expert Michael Green says the Obama administration is taking a cautious approach to any bilateral talks on North Korea's denuclearization, noting Pyongyang's backsliding after the Bush administration adopted a softer tone.

In Comparative Connections, Scott A. Snyder and See-won Byun review recent developments toward North Korea's denuclearization.

Paul Stares writes, "North Korea's leader no longer seems lame, which opens the door to further talks that could have beneficial--if not conclusive--results."