Security Tensions in Northeast Asia

June 1, 2017

Tensions on the Korean peninsula have been accelerating since the beginning of the year when North Korean leader Kim Jong-un announced he would carry out an intercontinental ballistic missile launch in 2017. The Trump administration says the “era of strategic patience” is over and raised the possibility of a preemptive strike. China warns of “storm clouds gathering” and that tensions on the Korean peninsula could spin out of control.

In this Events @ RAND podcast, RAND's Bruce Bennett, an expert in Northeast Asian military issues, discusses efforts by the U.S., its allies, and China to defuse the current situation and halt North Korea's development of nuclear weapons.

Featured Speakers

Laura Baldwin

Laura H. Baldwin (moderator)

Associate Director, RAND National Security Research Division; Senior Economist

Bruce Bennett

Bruce Bennett

Senior International/Defense Researcher, RAND Corporation

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  • Hands with South Korean and North Korean flags clasp one another

    How to Prepare North Korean Elites for Unification

    North Korean propaganda suggests that unification led by the South would be a disaster for Northern elites. Unless the elites are convinced otherwise, peaceful unification may be impossible. What could South Korea do to help them feel better about, or at least less resistant to, unification?

    Apr 27, 2017

    Bruce W. Bennett

  • Call with the Experts

    Media Conference Call on the North Korea Crisis

    RAND experts Bruce Bennett, Mike Mazarr, and Andrew Scobell host a conference call with news media discussing the latest developments between North Korea, the United States, and China. Senior Media Relations Officer Khorshied Samad moderates the call.

    Apr 20, 2017

  • Kim Jong-un during the celebration of the 65th anniversary of North Korea

    Preparing for North Korean Regime Collapse

    In this October 2013 Congressional Briefing, defense analyst Bruce Bennett discusses the possible consequences of a North Korean government collapse, including civil war in the north; a humanitarian crisis; the potential use and proliferation of the nation's chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons; and conflict with China.

    Oct 16, 2013

  • North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un visits a newly built arcade at the amusement house of the Rungna People's Pleasure Park

    U.S., ROK, and Allies Should Prepare for Eventual Collapse of North Korean Government

    Like the collapse of East Germany, the collapse of North Korea could occur suddenly and with little warning. But a North Korean collapse could be far more dangerous and disastrous than the actual collapse of East Germany, especially given the inadequate preparations for it.

    Sep 18, 2013

    Bruce W. Bennett