OK, so, we're on the brink of war.  North Korea (NK), as it has over and over in the past, is threatening to wipe the US and South Korea (SK) off the map. They chat it up every time the US and SK hold joint military operations. So, why has it escalated this time?  Could it be because SK has stepped up threats against NK. The US, at the same time, is sending heavy artillery to SK including stealth bombers and big boats... so, how can we avoid a war?  Is NK serious?  Are we backing them up against a wall?  Will they react like any cornered animal and attack... even though they know they will not survive?  Will they feel they must attack to save face? 

Some time back, I attended a class on negotiation. In that class, I was introduced to the teachings of W. Edwards Deming, the architect of Japan's quest for quality.  The course also taught about leaving 1/2% for the chairman. In Japan, the chairman was the ultimate authority. After his minions negotiated what a vendor called his "best price", the chairman would insist on more off. If there wasn't that 1/2% for the chairman, the deal would not be approved. In that part of the country, it is more important to "save face" as it is to get the best price. We are not looking at a leader that wants to destroy anyone... he is just trying to "save face" among his people. If we want to deescalate this situation, we must give this dude a way to save face. 

OK, you say, what about the nukes?  Could it be the increasing sanctions? Could it be we've all but cut off their ability to feed their people?  Would it be possible to trade corn for access?  Has anyone offered wheat for closing down nuclear facilities?  How do we know if any of that has been tried?  Does it seem to you that both NK and SK, and the US for that matter, are puffing out their chest and thumping on it like 10 ton gorillas?  

What would you suggest?