Interim Steps: The More Practical, Realistic Approach
Robert Einhorn [Senior Fellow, Foreign Policy Program, Brookings]
► As North Korea expands and diversifies its nuclear and missile arsenal, prospects for denuclearization of the DPRK become more remote and less realistic. Nonetheless, the goal of denuclearization should not be abandoned.
► Senior Biden administration officials suggested in March that consideration be given to “interim steps” to limit DPRK capabilities. These comments attracted substantial attention in Seoul, much of it critical.
► There is no ideal solution to the North Korea nuclear issue. But the most promising alternative is to pursue interim measures that can address the most immediate threats to the United States and its allies while keeping the door open to denuclearization when and if conditions materialize that can make that outcome more realistic than it is today.
