Number: R40095
Title: Assistance to North Korea
Authors: Mark E. Manyin, Specialist in Asian Affairs; Mary Beth Nikitin, Analyst in Nonproliferation 
Abstract: Aid to North Korea has been controversial since its inception, and the controversy is intricately linked to the overall debate in the United States, South Korea, and other countries over the best strategy for dealing with the DPRK. North Korea is deemed a threat to U.S. interests because it possesses advanced nuclear and missile programs, has a history of proliferating missiles, may have exported its nuclear technology, is suspected of possessing chemical and biological weapons programs, and has large (albeit deteriorating) conventional forces on the border with South Korea, a key U.S. ally. Instability inside North Korea could spill over into China, South Korea, and possibly Japan and/or Russia. Additionally, Pyongyang also is characterized as one of the world's worst violators of human rights and religious freedom, a record that some Members of Congress and interest groups say should assume greater importance in the formation of U.S. priorities toward North Korea.
Pages: 15
Date: December 24, 2008