Includes bibliographical references (p. 304-325) and index.
Part I: Fulcrum of geography, anvil of history: DPRK in historical perspective -- The roots of modern Korea: from Tangun to liberation -- Years of struggle, years of hope: Korean War to first nuclear crisis -- Creation of the Agreed Framework and the flowering of dèatente -- Crisis reignited: economic reform, regional accord, Washington discord -- Part II: The pillars of confrontation -- The human rights record: complexities, causes, solutions -- Drugs and generals -- The nuclear confrontation -- On the precipice: options, positions and dangers at the start of the second Bush administration.