North Korea remains a puzzle to Americans. How did this country-one of the most isolated in the world and in the policy cross hairs of every U.S. administration during the past 30 years-progress from zero nuclear weapons in 2001 to a threatening arsenal of perhaps 50 such weapons in 2021?

1. Introduction2. Nuclear Background3. The state of play prior to January 2004 trip.4. Would you like to see our product? The improbable visit to North Korea.5. Disastrous consequences of Bolton's hammer.6. 2005: Back to North Korea. Vice Minister Kim Gye Gwan - "No LWR, no deal." Bob Joseph - "No LWR till pigs fly."7. Kim Jong Il - Buying time.8. "Tell America, it worked and North Korean people are filled with pride."9. Back to the negotiating table.10. 2007 and 2008 visits. Back to Yongbyon to confirm disablement.11. 2008 - Almost there, but it all falls apart.12. 2009: You don't know how bad it will get."13. 2009 and 2010: Clenching the fist instead of reaching for Obama's outstretched hand.14. 2010 visit - "Tomorrow, you will have a bigger surprise."15. November 2010 to April 2012 - Leap Day Deal goes up in smoke along with DPRK rocket.16. Does the U.S. blow the Leap Day Deal up over one stupid rocket launch?17. From Strategic Patience to Benign Neglect.18. The "Fire and Fury" of 2017.19. From the Olympics to Singapore.20. The train wreck in Hanoi.21. Summary and closing observations.