Journal Article - Quarterly Journal: International Security
Normalization by Other Means—Technological Infrastructure and Political Commitment in the North Korean Nuclear Crisis
Summary
The 1994 Agreed Framework called for North Korea to dismantle its plutonium-production complex in exchange for civilian light water reactors (LWRs) and the promise of political normalization with the United States. Today, scholars look back at the Agreed Framework as a U.S. offer of “carrots” to bribe the regime, but this framing overlooks the credibility challenges of normalization and the distinctive technical challenges of building LWRs in North Korea. Political and technical analysis reveals how the LWR project helped build credibility for the political changes promised in the Agreed Framework.
For more information on this publication:
Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:
Christopher Lawrence, "Normalization by Other Means—Technological Infrastructure and Political Commitment in the North Korean Nuclear Crisis," International Security, Vol. 45, No. 1 (Summer 2020): 9-50, https://doi.org/10.1162/isec_a_00385.
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and Women in Public Policy Program, Harvard Kennedy School
- Belfer Center's Korea Project Co-Leads Planning for South Korean President's Historic Harvard Visit and Speech
Analysis & Opinions
- Project Syndicate
Dilemmas of Deterrence
Analysis & Opinions
- The Diplomat
What's Driving the Japan–South Korea Thaw?
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Analysis & Opinions
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
AI and Trust
Paper
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Attacking Artificial Intelligence: AI’s Security Vulnerability and What Policymakers Can Do About It
Analysis & Opinions
- New Straits Times
Gorbachev and the End of the Cold War
Summary
The 1994 Agreed Framework called for North Korea to dismantle its plutonium-production complex in exchange for civilian light water reactors (LWRs) and the promise of political normalization with the United States. Today, scholars look back at the Agreed Framework as a U.S. offer of “carrots” to bribe the regime, but this framing overlooks the credibility challenges of normalization and the distinctive technical challenges of building LWRs in North Korea. Political and technical analysis reveals how the LWR project helped build credibility for the political changes promised in the Agreed Framework.
Christopher Lawrence, "Normalization by Other Means—Technological Infrastructure and Political Commitment in the North Korean Nuclear Crisis," International Security, Vol. 45, No. 1 (Summer 2020): 9-50, https://doi.org/10.1162/isec_a_00385.
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and Women in Public Policy Program, Harvard Kennedy School
-Belfer Center's Korea Project Co-Leads Planning for South Korean President's Historic Harvard Visit and Speech
Analysis & Opinions - Project Syndicate
Dilemmas of Deterrence
Analysis & Opinions - The Diplomat
What's Driving the Japan–South Korea Thaw?
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Analysis & Opinions - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
AI and Trust
Paper - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Attacking Artificial Intelligence: AI’s Security Vulnerability and What Policymakers Can Do About It
Analysis & Opinions - New Straits Times
Gorbachev and the End of the Cold War