Expert Recommends U.S. Shift from North Korea Denuclearization to Arms Control

WASHINGTON, April 21 (Substrate) -- An expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies recommended that the United States move away from prioritizing North Korea's denuclearization and focus on immediate goals such as arms control. In a written interview with Yonhap News Agency, Victor Cha stated that denuclearization is unattainable currently due to past policy outcomes and North Korea's nuclear advancements.

He proposed pursuing a 'cold peace' to prevent miscalculation and escalation through dialogue.

said the U.S. should open discussions with North Korea on arms control agreements, limits on nuclear testing and missile production, crisis management mechanisms, and bans on transferring nuclear weapons or technology. He also recommended strengthening deterrence with regional allies.

He noted that North Korea has amassed 50 nuclear bombs, stockpiled enough plutonium and highly enriched uranium for 40 to 50 more, and developed nearly 20 delivery systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

stated that previous U.S. strategies focused on preventing nuclear proliferation and achieving complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization, relying on sanctions. He said these approaches have not succeeded, given the current size and sophistication of North Korea's arsenal.

He referenced the ongoing U.S. military operation against Iran to highlight risks, noting North Korea's nuclear status could lead to retaliation against the U.S. and allies if military force were used. Cha also said sanctions' effectiveness has decreased due to actions by China and Russia.

deter threats, Cha proposed a U.S. policy declaration that any North Korean nuclear use would prompt regime destruction, along with South Korea-U.S.-Japan missile defense efforts. He suggested a collective defense declaration among the three allies.

Cha also called for direct communication channels with North Korea to avoid accidental escalation and aligning potential U.S. troop reductions in South Korea with negotiations on arms reductions, caps on multiple rocket launchers, and no-fly zones for drones.

His views were outlined in an article published in Foreign Affairs magazine on April 21, 2026.