Helsinki to Pyongyang

I missed this Op-Ed in the Wall Street Journal when it was new, but it’s still worth discussion.

It argues persuasively that some form of engagement with North Korea modeled on the Helsinki framework could be effective at improving conditions there. The fact that the signatories include people like Michael Horowitz (major force behind the NKHRA) and Max Kampelman (veteran of negotiating with Gorbachev and Schevardnadze) makes me pause to consider it. Many of the ideas are well-reasoned and show a sound grasp of how we won the Cold War, but alas, I ultimately conclude that (1) this strategy underestimates the unique depravity of the North Korean regime; and (2) things have gotten worse in the 18 or so months since this was written.