"An impressive work…. Ku provides a comprehensive look at North Korea's path to acquiring nuclear weapons, as well as an insightful assessment of policy options for dealing with a nuclear-armed North Korea in the future." —Terence Roehrig, University of Wisconsin-Madison and US Naval War College

"Ku eloquently explains the geopolitical elements that have driven North Korea's nuclear program." —Gregory Moore, Notre Dame College

Despite crippling economic hardships and intense international pressure, North Korea has managed to become a nuclear nation. What drove the country to so resolutely prioritize the development of nuclear weapons? What strategies has it used in pursuit of its goals? And what are the broader strategic, geopolitical implications of its nuclear program? Addressing these questions, Yangmo Ku unpacks the complexities of North Korea's nuclear ambitions and achievements and sheds light on the conundrum that they pose for both East Asian stability and global security.