A clash in contested waters could mark the beginning of an escalation in tensions.

South Korea responding to North Korean shelling will not be hugely destabilizing.

South Korea will no longer exercise restraint in responding to the North's provocations.

Looking for insights in the rhetoric offered by Pyongyang over the past year.

Two accidents in rapid succession suggest all is not well, but the country still has some significant assets.

North Korea confronts probably the hardest anti-access challenge of any coastal defender.

The attention given to China and Japan’s navies overlooks the emergence of a new maritime power.

The failure of North Korea’s rocket launch might tempt some to ignore the threat it poses. That’s a mistake.

The North Korea deal suggests a gradual shift in policy. But history suggests caution is warranted.

The deal reached this week between the U.S. and North Korea is a step forward. But North Korea is well aware of the power of its deterrent.

The death of Kim Jong-il has increased the chances of a violent collapse of North Korea. Nuclear and chemical weapons, mistrust and an uncertain succession are a toxic mix.

Kim Jong-il’s regime seems to respond better to the carrot than the stick. The United States and others could try walking in Kim’s shoes as they look to reduce tensions.

Deterring North Korea is a tough job, but someone has to do it. A better earth penetrating nuclear weapon might help.

North Korea is showing signs of wanting to get back to talks. But without any changes to its behaviour, it might be better to focus on the next generation.

The Jeju Island base isn’t about containing China. It’s about protecting South Korea and others from an increasingly erratic North Korea.

The annual US-South Korean Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise is reported to have practiced capturing Kim Jong-il.