Nuclear North Korea: A Debate on Engagement Strategies
This timely and important book is free of much of the hyperbole that has fettered a more concise course of action for dealing with North Korea. The book not only fills the current scholarly and policy gap with a clear-cut analysis of the policy challenges facing the United States and its allies, but also offers a thorough and provocative assessment for what policies to pursue.(Korea Times)[Nuclear North Korea]aims to shed fresh light on two of our biggest areas of ignorance: what motivates Pyongyang's extreme hostility to the outside world, and how best to part it from its claimed nuclear 'deterrent'... Msssrs Cha and Kang debate tough versus tender engagement in alternating chapters.(Economist)Nuclear North Koreaprovides a penetrating analysis of what is probably the world's most dangerous trouble spot.(Gordon G. ChangAsian Review of Books)Victor Cha and David Kang have joined forces to bring us a remarkable and sound presentation of two different strategies on how to deal with a nuclear North Korea. One of the most valuable aspects of their book lies in its composition -- a running dialogue and critique of each other's strategy, presented in alternating chapters and culminating in a combined effort in the last two chapters of the book. The refreshing and honest internal evaluation that accompanies solid academic writing makes this work stand out.(Charles L. PritchardSurvival)While both authors believe that engagement represents the only rational policy for the United States, they arrive at this conclusion along very different paths. In individually authored alternating chapters Cha and Kang offer differing assessments of the threat posed by the DPRK and the extent to which Pyongyang can be induced to join respectable international society. In the process, they explicitly take issue with each other and engage in something of a public debate on the merits, requirements, and prospects of engagement.(Robert M. HathawayWorld Policy Journal)[T]his book is required reading for anyone who wants a deeper appreciation of what is surely one of the most pressing issues in the post-September 11 world.(Nicholas KhooInternational Affairs)It is a slow and thoughtful read, navigating past the existing U.S. policymaking, the current media hyperboles, and the politically motivated punditry.(Bill DruckerKorean Quarterly)Their book is important. Dealing with North Korea will be one of the central challenges for the U.S. in the coming years.(Nicholas KristofNew York Review of Books)Victor D. Cha and David C. Kang take a step away from emotion-laden debates about North Korea to offer a cool-headed, reasoned, and rational debate on the nature of the North Korean threat and the best policies for dealing with it.(Journal of Asian Studies1900-01-00)Cha and Kang wrestle with that policy context in their crisp, smart book.(Michael O'HanlonChronicle of Higher Education)This book is good and extraordinary. It is a delight to read.(Ruediger FrankPacific Affairs1900-01-00)