The U.S. and North Korea reopen nuclear talks Thursday that will provide a glimpse into where Pyongyang's opaque government is heading after Kim Jong Il's death and test its readiness to dismantle nuclear programs for much-needed aid.
The countries were on the verge of a deal to have Washington provide food in return for Pyongyang suspending uranium enrichment when it was upended by the longtime leader's death on Dec. 17.
That North Korea has agreed to re-enter talks so soon afterward could signal a measure of cohesion and a continuation of Kim Jong Il's policies as the country transfers power to his young son and a coterie of advisers.
However, stonewalling could point to disagreement within the new leadership or unpredictable directions in policy for a government that has long sought to develop viable nuclear weapons and already has detonated two nuclear test blasts.
The workings of North Korea's government are difficult for outsiders to discern, so analysts and foreign government officials alike will closely monitor Thursday's talks in Beijing.
"The fact that North Korea has come to the negotiating table means the country is enjoying a level of internal stability," said Kim Keun-sik, a North Korea expert at Kyungnam University in South Korea.