North Korea - Diplomacy

DIPLOMATIC MEMORANDUM (COPY)

DATE: October 17th, 2025

From: Office of Strategic Dialogue, Public Intelligence Project CIA Labs - St. Louis / Deputy Director Christopher L. Fitzgerald 

To: U.S. Department of State, The Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs (EAP)

SUBJECT: Strategic Engagement with North Korea: A Framework for Multilateral Diplomacy and Inclusive Global Governance

I. Purpose

This memorandum outlines a strategic opportunity for the United States to engage North Korea through a recalibrated diplomatic framework. It proposes actionable pathways for bilateral dialogue, multilateral peace building , and inclusive trade agreements that align with U.S. interests, in global stability and democratic cooperation.

II. Diplomatic Shifts in North Korea

Recent developments suggest that North Korea is repositioning itself diplomatically:

• Outreach to Southeast Asia: Engagements with delegations from Vietnam and Laos indicate Pyongyang’s intent to diversify partnerships beyond China and Russia.

• Celebration of Multilateralism: The 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party featured high-level visits from China, Russia, and Vietnam, signaling a desire for regional legitimacy through diplomacy.

• Strategic Realignment: Kim Jong Un’s increasing alignment with Russia and China reflects a pivot toward multipolar engagement, potentially opening space for broader dialogue.

III. U.S.–North Korea Dialogue Pathways

To foster a new political atmosphere, the United States should consider:

• Reframing the Narrative: Transition from denuclearization-first demands to a phased trust-building approach, beginning with humanitarian cooperation, and cultural exchanges.

• Empowering Track II Diplomacy: Facilitate academic, scientific, and civil society dialogues to build rapport outside formal channels.

• Offering Conditional Sanctions Relief: Link economic incentives to verifiable steps toward transparency and regional stability, rather than requiring full disarmament upfront.

• Establishing a Peace Liaison Office: A neutral diplomatic outpost in a third country (e.g., Mongolia or Switzerland) could enable sustained dialogue without formal recognition.

IV. Multilateral Peace-building with China, Russia, and North Korea

Opportunities for collaboration include:

• Joint Climate Resilience Initiatives: A shared platform for disaster preparedness and sustainable development could depoliticize cooperation and build trust.

• Cybersecurity Norms: A Northeast Asia Cyber Accord would allow parties to address digital threats collaboratively while respecting sovereignty.

• Arms Control Dialogues: A trilateral forum (U.S.–China–Russia) with North Korea as an observer could gradually integrate Pyongyang into global security norms.

V. Global Trade Agreements for Inclusive Growth

To balance superpower interests with smaller economies:

• Revitalize the CPTPP: Expand membership to include strategic players like South Korea, and potentially North Korea under special observer status.

• Create a Global Supply Chain Compact: Focused on rare earths, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors, this pact would ensure equitable access and resilience.

• Launch a Digital Trade Accord: A rules-based framework for cross-border data flows, and e-commerce could empower smaller economies while aligning with major powers’ interests.

VI. Conclusion

North Korea’s evolving diplomatic posture presents a strategic opening for multilateral engagement. By embracing flexibility and multilateralism, the United States can help shape a future where peace is built through shared prosperity, and mutual respect - moving beyond coercive paradigms toward constructive diplomacy.

The Public Intelligence Project - CIA Labs

Office of Strategic Dialogue