For more than a decade, the United States has tried to socialize North Korea into a set of rules. But what if there exists a separate set of rules of the game for North Korea? It is highly probable that Kim Jong Il will move toward another succession, which would lead him to prioritize his political survival to North Korea's survival as the state. Whether Kim Jong Il's political survival is threatened or not determines whether North Korea will cross the "red line" set by the United States.

more »

... er or not North Korea's cooperation will be elicited depends on how to make a reward so clear and a threat so potent and credible. Rewards such as an economic package, food aid and energy supply or threats not to provide such rewards will not