Explain the leading causes of North Korea's poor economic situation.
North Korea has a poor economic situation due to several factors, including:

1. Mismanagement and corruption: The North Korean government has a history of mismanaging the country's resources and engaging in corruption, which has resulted in a decline in the standard of living for the general population.

2. International sanctions: North Korea is subject to multiple international sanctions, which have hindered its ability to trade and engage in international commerce, and limited its access to foreign investment and technology.

3. Lack of access to modern technology: North Korea has limited access to modern technology, which has impeded its ability to develop and modernize its economy.

4. Centralized control of the economy: The North Korean government exerts tight control over the country's economy, with state-owned enterprises dominating key industries. This has resulted in inefficiency and a lack of innovation.

5. Dependence on a single commodity: North Korea's economy is heavily dependent on the export of a single commodity, namely coal, which makes it vulnerable to price fluctuations in the global market.

6. Natural disasters and poor infrastructure: North Korea is prone to natural disasters such as floods and droughts, which can disrupt agriculture and other key industries. The country also lacks adequate infrastructure, which makes it difficult to transport goods and provide basic services to the population.

In summary, North Korea's poor economic situation is the result of a combination of factors, including government mismanagement, international sanctions, a lack of access to modern technology, centralized control of the economy, dependence on a single commodity, and natural disasters and poor infrastructure.
What actions could Western countries take to bring North Korea up to a modern economic situation?
Actions from Western nations toward North Korea are likely to be met with resistance and reservation, with cultural causes dating back to the Korean War. Western nations would need to work slowly and persistently to overcome these perceptions, or work via intermediary countries that have better existing relations with North Korea.

The stated goals of North Korean leadership are a reunification of the Korean peninsula under North Korean control, and a withdraw of US and allied forces from the region. These are unlikely points of negotiation. A further goal is to become an industrialized nation with global economic power, this is more agreeable to current Western sentiments.

Long term, Western nations can ease sanctions and open trade with North Korea, establish formal diplomatic relations, and encourage cultural exchange both into and out of North Korea. The most likely path to the West helping North Korea on a path to development is a slow and consistent position of increasing alignment.