In the constant white noise that characterizes American news today, one could easily be forgiven for turning deaf to any real developments in our relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea: the small, isolated regime run by the son of a despot whose predilection for a peculiar version of the high-and-tight haircut makes him distinctly recognizable. They regularly publicize another missile test and its implications for their never-ending crusade against US tyranny. Such announcements are prime fodder for 24-hour news circuits that will endlessly ponder the possibilities and implications of such a launch, the short-term success or failure of which is unimportant. 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Americans have also become adept at everyday conversations that often go something like: “I just heard that North Korea is testing another ballistic missile on Friday.” “Oh really, they're trying again? Kim Jong-un: he never stops!” “Yes, but I seriously doubt they'll ever reach American soil. They wouldn't have the capacity. Right?” "Right. I think..." It's a tortuous script about North Korea that we've memorized and played out in all sorts of settings. We can continue this conversation, partly in jest, because nothing has changed What is our current administration's position on the issue? Are we safer with Trump in office? Understanding the events of the last few months will help North Korea has no official diplomatic relations. This has been the case since the nation's formation along the 38th parallel in 1948. The United States has imposed economic sanctions on North Korea since it invaded the South in 1950. The seven Subsequent decades have seen little change in this pattern. The prospect of nuclear war with North Korea is a constant specter in global affairs. Always present, always looming, but rarely a vital threat to our country, much less to Korea of the South. President Obama, like many commanders in chief before him, has maintained a policy of wait, watch and sanction. Any missile test or indication of nuclear weapons development was met with harsh economic restrictions, punishing a nation already in an international chokehold. 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 US mainland, flying 500 miles higher than any previous such test. According to military analysts, the missile, nicknamed Hwasong-15, boasts a maximum range of 8,100 miles. This makes any major U.S. city within easy reach and represents a watershed moment in how we must manage our diplomatic relations. On December 29, North Korea's state news agency said the DPRK had no plans to abandon its nuclear weapons development programs in 2018. Shortly thereafter, Mike Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed his opinion opinion that, due to Given the “uncertainty” of President Trump's leadership, we are actually closer than ever to war with?