Analysis
Leading experts analyze recent events and affairs involving North Korea
Small state, grand strategy: North Korea’s policy plans for 2022 and beyond
Despite an inward focus for this year, Pyongyang still eyes the big-picture goal of recognition as a nuclear state
‘Absolutely crazy’: Chaos at Chinese ports, Omicron threaten DPRK trade restart
Handful of cases can shutter entire port cities as Beijing pursues elusive zero-COVID approach
Phoning it in: Expect another year of nothing from Biden on North Korea
Dealing with Kim Jong Un is more difficult than ever, and the White House has shown little urgency on engaging Pyongyang
The North Korean studio that has animated a Christmas film and Italian cartoons
Newly sanctioned SEK Studio has worked with South Korean and European artists for decades, raising money for Pyongyang
Timeline: How North Korean propaganda dialed back focus on Kim Jong Un in 2021
More erratic messaging appears to reflect upheavals in propaganda leadership, as notable changes decline in second half
North Korea risks angering China with missile launches ahead of Winter Olympics
China’s looking for a PR win, and won’t appreciate Kim Jong Un stealing the spotlight in February
The new normal? Experts see little hope for full restart of North Korean trade
Even after resumption of overland trade, erratic policy-making and new virus strains could reverse progress in 2022
North Korea wants women to bear children for the motherland. They aren’t.
The DPRK’s fertility rate is sliding down and its population aging despite the state’s pro-natalist policies
North Korea’s test of rail-based missiles continues emphasis on survivability
Launch sites near Chinese border could be difficult to target, while still putting US military headquarters within range
Too little, too late? Understanding Washington’s latest North Korea sanctions
Unilateral sanctions substitute for broader UN action and draw attention to overseas DPRK activities, experts say
