However, the correlation of forces has since changed dramatically. The Cold War is over. The South has more than 50 times the GDP and twice the population of North Korea. Neither Russia nor China would back Pyongyang in renewed aggression. There is no need for a continuing American military presence on the peninsula.

And if the U.S. was not there, North Korea would pay no attention to the U.S.

The point is fundamental. The DPRK does not threaten America. Pyongyang is not arming to attack the U.S. The Kim regime is not going to start launching nuclear-tipped missiles at Los Angeles, Honolulu, Chicago, New York, Washington, and other cities.

North Korea’s activities vis-à-vis America are defensive.