The United States' containment policy imposed upon North Korea has been relatively successful for approximately 50 years. This post-World War II strategy has prevented a major war since the conclusion of the Korean Conflict. Our changing world environment characterized by globalization and all its related components; end of the Cold War; increased numbers of failed and non-state actors; rise of terrorist and religious extremist groups; proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and associated missile exportation and technology transfer mandates that the nation reexamine its current strategy to deal with these emerging threats to our national security. This paper conducts an analysis of current U.S. policy towards North Korea and recommends necessary changes.