More than ever since January 2017, “North Korea watchers” have been wrestling with a dilemma typical for analyzing autocracies: does one take a personalist interpretation of the DPRK’s diplomacy and statecraft, honing in on the methods, statements, visions, and quirks of the dictator?

Or, does one maintain a more systemic approach toward the state, and assume that institutions matter, may occasionally conflict, and even have a certain degree of agency?

The personalist view has been very much encouraged by the White House, for obvious reasons. Trump promotes it and revels in that promotion.

Yet analysts must continue their more systemic