Associate professor of political science Bruce Bechtol examines the threat he believes North Korea poses to the national security of the United States and its allies and unresolved foreign policy issues.

Introduction -- Understanding the North Korean military threat to the security of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia -- Creating instability in dangerous global regions : North Korean proliferation and support to terrorism in the Middle East and South Asia -- Running in place : North Korea's nuclear program and the six-party talks during the Bush administration -- Maintaining a Rogue regime : Kim Chong-il and the North Korean regime succession process -- Preparing for the North Korean threat : the ROK-U.S. military alliance and the Lee Myung-bak presidency -- Conclusion : North Korea's threats to the United States and its allies.