Economic Leverage and the North Korean Nuclear Crisis

While publicly resisting sanctions, North Korea's closest neighbors are trying to engage the United States and North Korea in a carrot-and-stick strategy that could lead to a negotiated resolution to the nuclear crisis. The biggest carrot that the United States brings to the table in the short run is a willingness to allay North Korean security fears in the wake of the US-led invasion of Iraq. In addition, the United States should also be willing to lift remaining, non-security-related economic sanctions, as part of a carefully calibrated, verifiable, and reciprocal agreement. Elsewhere (except for Cuba), President Bush promotes increased trade as a mechanism for promoting democracy as well as prosperity. Why not in North Korea?