ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the troubling attempts that Kim Jong-Il's government made during 2004 to become involved in the internal politics of South Korea and the US, as well as recent evidence that indicates there may be a level of turmoil within the government of North Korea. It addresses how and why the North's actions have caused a breakdown in the relationship between Washington and Pyongyang. The chapter challenges the US and Pyongyang's neighbors in the region as all parties move through the steps to ensure this happens in a transparent manner. It addresses the strategy of the George W. Bush administration during the nuclear confrontation, and perhaps as importantly, the effects of the Republic of Korea–US alliance on US–Democratic People's Republic of Korea relations, highlights the differing strategies of the Roh and Bush governments. The chapter examines that, while there is hope on the horizon, many major challenges remain in the six-party talks.
