Among the constant white noise that defines American news today, someone could easily be forgiven for becoming deaf to any real developments in our relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea: the small, isolated regime led by the son of a despot whose penchant for a particular version of the high and tight haircut makes him distinctly recognizable. Every few days they publicize yet another missile test and its implications for their never-ending crusade against American tyranny. Such announcements are prime fodder for 24-hour news circuits that endlessly ruminate on the possibilities and implications of such a launch, whose short-term success or failure is irrelevant. For experts, fear of the unknown is a much more palpable and marketable commodity. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Americans have also become familiar with the everyday conversation that often goes something like: "I just learned that North Korea is testing another ballistic missile on Friday." » “Oh really, are they doing it again?” Kim Jong-un – he never stops! "Yes, but I seriously doubt they will ever reach American soil." They wouldn't have the capacity. Isn't it? I think… “This is a twisted storyline about North Korea that we have memorized and implemented in all kinds of contexts. We can continue this conversation, partly as a joke, because nothing has changed. But is this always the case? And where does our current administration stand on the issue? Are we safer with Trump in power? It will be helpful to understand the events of the past few months. First, a brief overview of U.S.-North Korea relations is in order. The United States and North Korea do not have formal diplomatic relations. This has been the case since the country's formation along the 38th parallel in 1948. The United States has imposed economic sanctions on North Korea since its invasion of the South in 1950. The following seven decades saw little change in this trend. The prospect of nuclear war with North Korea is a constant specter in world affairs. An always present and imminent threat, but rarely viable for our country, and even less for South Korea. President Obama, like many commanders in chief before him, has maintained a policy of wait-and-see and sanction. Any missile test or indication of nuclear weapons development was met with severe economic restrictions, punishing a nation already in a situation of international strangulation. This dance continued for a few years, but 2017 marked a notable change in the normal situation. This year alone, North Korea has conducted 20 missile tests. In November 2017, Pyongyang launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that likely has the capability to reach the U.S. mainland, flying 500 miles higher than any previous test of its type. According to military analysts, the missile, named Hwasong-15, can boast a maximum range of 8,100 miles. This makes any major American city within reach and represents a watershed moment in how we should manage our diplomatic relations. On December 29, North Korea's official news agency proclaimed that the DPRK had no plans to end its nuclear weapons development programs in 2018. Shortly thereafter, Mike Mullen, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed his opinion that due to In?