ABSTRACT
In the early 1990s, the North Korean nuclear problem became an acute international concern, quickly thrusting it into first place among the other geopolitical controversies emanating from the Korean Peninsula. Successful settlement of this problem will alleviate some of the worst tensions plaguing the vast region of Northeast Asia and create favorable conditions for a fruitful dialogue between the two Koreas, thereby assisting in their gradual reconciliation and reunification on a nonviolent basis.1 Without a constructive settlement of the nuclear problem, however, it will not be possible to construct a meaningful peace settlement for the Korean Peninsula.
