The devastating nature of the first Korean War in 1950-53 is a warning of the huge costs of a second, which could also drag in countries as close as Japan, as remote as Britain or as reluctant as China.
The options Washington is considering, range from the tried-and-trusted – to the once unthinkable.
The US, Japan and South Korea should support Taiwan's drive to lead China to democratization, thereby pressuring North Korea to follow suit and avoid war. For details see the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development.