Denuclearization of North Korea

The denuclearization of North Korea, a formalized policy objective of the United States since the signing of the 1994 Agreed Framework, is the singularly most important objective of Washington regarding Pyongyang. The Agreed Framework is an accord that provides North Korea two light-water reactors in exchange for the elimination of its capabilities to produce nuclear weapons. However, many debates have arisen over the soundness of this policy option. The purpose of this thesis is to assess four different policy options for achieving the permanent or long-term denuclearization of North Korea: (1) the Agreed Framework, (2) the Amended Framework Option, (3) the Comprehensive Framework Option, and (4) the Coercive Denuclearization Option. The analysis of the Agreed Framework centers on obstacles that might prohibit its completion. The analysis of the Amended Framework focuses on North Korea's inability to distribute the energy that the LWRs will produce. The Comprehensive Framework analyzes the effects of the United States attaching additional conditions to the Agreed Framework. Lastly the, Coercive Denuclearization Option analyzes whether or not preemptive counterproliferation could force North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program. The conclusion of this thesis suggests that none of the evaluated policy options will lead to the denuclearization of North Korea.