This thesis examines U.S.-North Korean relations during the Trump administration, particularly focusing on how President Trump's behavior can be explained in light of the "Madman Theory". By...Show moreThis thesis examines U.S.-North Korean relations during the Trump administration, particularly focusing on how President Trump's behavior can be explained in light of the "Madman Theory". By applying Roseanne W. McManus' typology, it is argued that Trump's madness is characterized by situational deviation from consequence-based decision-making, which is hypothesized to be potentially helpful. Furthermore, this thesis examines the effectiveness of Trump's usage of madness during the first year of his presidency compared to his later summit diplomacy. This thesis argues that while the usage of perceived madness was helpful in bringing North Korea to the negotiating table, it was no more successful than summit diplomacy in bringing about denuclearization of the peninsula, while summit diplomacy at least brought stability to the region. Denuclearizing North Korea seems to be possible only through regime change, a costly venture both in terms of human lives and economic costs. For this reason, summit diplomacy seems to be the preferable option.Show less