Synopses & Reviews
In this book, North Korea's strategy emerges from the broad sweep of its negotiating record--from the armistice negotiations, the discussions that were incidental to implementation of the armistice, the talks that resolved crises instigated by North Korea, the dialogue between South Korea and North Korea, and the multilateral negotiations to force North Korea to abide by its international nuclear commitments. Patterns emerge from this history, and the strategy this book exposes is intriguingly consistent and well designed. Using previously unpublished accounts, Over the Line brings together for the first time the full record of North Korea's negotiations, describes motives and objectives, and assesses negotiating tactics. Chuck Downs draws important conclusions from the North's manipulation of international talks and cautions policymakers to be alert to the regime's tactics. As a guide to negotiating with North Korea, Over the Line will provide policymakers with important background on how to deal with the rogue regime. The author explores the role of espionage and infiltration, deception and brinkmanship, and provides an alarming prediction of the future course of North Korea's relations with the United States and it allies.