Editor’s note: The following article is an opinion piece by Frank Aum, formerly the senior expert on Northeast Asia at the United States Institute of Peace. Views expressed in opinion articles are exclusively the author’s own and do not represent those of NK News.

The U.S. has reached a critical juncture in how it deals with North Korea. The current approach — focused on using pressure and deterrence to change Pyongyang’s behavior — has not only failed but has also made the situation more dangerous. 

In a new reportpublished by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, my colleague