The Trump Administration’s Options on North Korean Nuclear and Ballistic Missile Programs : Peaceful and Diplomatic or Offensive?

North Korean nuclear problems and dilemmas have been continued without regards to a process of the Agreed Framework between the US and DPRK as well as the Joint Statement by the Six-party Talks. Under the circumstances, this paper intends to focus on analyzing the Trump administration’s main principles and options remained on the table such as peaceful and diplomatic, pressure and offensive approaches. Above all, it is analyzed the US diplomatic approach, and stronger sanctions on nuclear and ballistic missile programsunder the maximum engagement and pressure policy towards North Korea. Such other options as not only the regime change but the military strike in the North are also analyzed, reviewing reality and likelihood. On the other side, Pyongyang’s counterstrategies in opposition to Trump administration’s proactive and reactive strategies are examined. All efforts are made to suggest a desirable way to lighten tension situation on the Korean Peninsula and to accomplish the ‘disarmament-for-aid’ deal.