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

North Korea's alleged sinking of a South Korean ship could have been part of a legitimization process to prepare for a new leader to succeed the ailing Kim Jong-Il, says North Korea expert Victor Cha.

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.

Absent evidence of N. Korea's involvement, S. Korea's response to the recent sinking of one of its ships has been measured. But public anger about the incident will impact June elections and increase scrutiny of the defense ministry, says CFR Korea expert 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.

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.

Scott A. Snyder examines South Korea's desire to increase its role in the international community.

Carolyn M. Leddy asks, "South Korea is getting serious about its own defense, so why isn't Japan?"

In Comparative Connections, Scott A. Snyder and See-Won Byun detail how China takes two different approaches to North and South Korea.

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

By exposing them to the truth about their impoverishment and about the prosperity of their South Korean cousins, the United States can encourage North Koreans to change the regime in Pyongyang.

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

President of the Republic of Korea Lee Myung-bak details U.S.-Korean relations including matters such as security and trade.

This meeting was cosponsored with the Asia Society and the Korea Society.

Listen to President of the Republic of Korea Lee Myung-bak detail U.S.-Korean relations including matters such as security and trade.

This meeting was cosponsored with the Asia Society and the Korea Society.