Tensions on the Korean peninsula need to be managed carefully so that growing South Korean and U.S. intolerance for Korean belligerence doesn't lead to unintended military escalation, say CFR's Scott Snyder and Paul Stares.

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.

An incident involving a sunken South Korean naval vessel has highlighted the ongoing tensions with North Korea and ongoing potential for naval confrontations between the two sides, says CFR's Scott Snyder.

An interactive, multimedia guide to the dispute between North and South Korea.

Rather than seeking regime overthrow in North Korea and Iran, Washington should pursue an updated version of Soviet-era containment policy, says expert Robert Litwak.

Despite Pyongyang's aggressive public posturing in recent days, the greatest threat from North Korea will likely be a surprise guerilla-style provocation, says CFR Korea expert Scott Snyder.

A planned satellite launch by North Korea has suspended U.S. food aid. CFR's Scott Snyder says that Pyongyang is grappling with whether to choose international legitimacy or domestic political consolidation.

Heads of fifty nations are discussing how to improve safeguards for nuclear weapons and materials. CFR's Michael Levi says these summits serve as reminders of the dangers beyond the North Korean and Iranian nuclear programs.

North Korea's agreement to freeze nuclear activities and allow in inspectors, while stirring hopes, echoes past deals that have failed to initiate a sustained denuclearization program, says expert Mark E. Manyin.

This week's meeting between U.S., South Korean, and Japanese officials signaled an opening for North Korea to rejoin the suspended talks on its nuclear program. CFR's Scott Snyder discusses the talks and says it's unlikely the dialogue will resume soon.

Will Kim Jong-il's twenty-seven-year-old son assume power in a smooth transition or is a destabilizing succession struggle ahead for reclusive North Korea? CFR's Scott Snyder says the next few weeks will provide crucial signals.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's visit to Washington is likely to see passage of the Free Trade Agreement and coordination on strategies for pushing North Korea toward denuclearization, says CFR's Scott Snyder.

As former president Jimmy Carter visits Pyongyang, any movement on resumption of stalled talks on North Korea's denuclearization is unlikely, says CFR fellow Sue Terry. Washington should continue to deter Pyongyang's aggressive behavior using sanctions and working with regional allies, she says.

WikiLeaks' cables on North Korea's missile sales to Iran have raised new concerns about the country's proliferation activities. Expert Jeffrey Lewis says Pyongyang's procurement networks pose the biggest threat, and recommends the international community strengthen interdiction measures.

With tensions on the Korean peninsula continuing to arouse U.S. concern, expert Leon Sigal calls for the United States and South Korea to support a peace process and political and economic engagement with North Korea.

With Tuesday's military promotions, North Korea's Kim Jong-Il created a triumvirate to succeed him. But this "collective leadership" will not change relations with the United States anytime soon, says  CFR expert Sue M. Terry.

Washington's new sanctions against North Korea, focusing on international financial institutions and banking systems, are likely to have more impact than trade sanctions, says North Korea economic expert Marcus Noland.

The Obama administration should mount a more vigorous effort to address North Korea's nuclear weapons program, says Charles L. (Jack) Pritchard, co-chairman of a new CFR Independent Task Force report.

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.

If North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il visits China as reportedly scheduled, he will be urged to return to Six Party Talks. But the U.S. and North Korea are at a standoff, says CFR Korea expert Scott Snyder, with North Korea demanding a peace treaty and the United States insisting on denuclearization.