Rock Bottom Sinking of Relations with North Korea

Since the Cheonan incident on March 26th, relations between North and South Korea have rapidly deteriorated, with the international community seemingly intent on punishing North Korea through further sanctions and disengagement. At the current juncture, however, this would be unwise as it would only push Pyongyang further into isolation. In a longer perspective, the only possibility for exerting a positive influence on North Korea is through deepened engagement and dialogue.