North Korea’s rapid military expansion, deepening alignment with Russia, China, and Iran, and continued advancement of its nuclear weapons program have prompted renewed debate in U.S. policy circles over how to address one of the world’s most dangerous and enduring security challenges. In his analysis, Michael Marshall, editor-in-chief emeritus of United Press International, examines the growing recognition that three decades of diplomacy centered on denuclearization have failed to curb the North Korean threat, while also exploring emerging proposals that seek a broader and more sustainable path forward for the Korean Peninsula.
Among the most significant contributions to this policy discussion is the policy paper “Toward a Free and Unified Korea—Resolving the Korea Challenge at Its Source,” published by the National Institute for Public Policy with support from the Global Peace Foundation. The paper was developed by the Free and Unified Korea working group, chaired by Robert Joseph, and brought together contributions from Nicholas Eberstadt, James P. Flynn, Hyun-seung Lee, David Maxwell, Greg Scarlatoiu, and Michael Marshall. The policy paper argues that a free and unified Korea offers the clearest long-term solution to the peninsula’s nuclear threat, humanitarian crisis, and unresolved political division.
The policy paper calls for restoring Korean unification as a central strategic objective of U.S.–ROK policy while integrating human rights advocacy, civil society engagement, economic planning, and security coordination into a comprehensive framework for the future of the peninsula. It highlights the importance of supporting the aspirations of the Korean people for freedom and unity, expanding access to information inside North Korea, and preparing responsibly for political change. Read more from Michael Marshall’s article, “North Korea shift prompts fresh policies,” published by UPI, and explore the full policy paper, “Toward a Free and Unified Korea—Resolving the Korea Challenge at Its Source,” through the National Institute for Public Policy.
