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October 10, 2026Oct 10, 2026

Analysis

Leading experts analyze recent events and affairs involving North Korea

How bribery became rooted in North Korea’s military and the challenges of reform
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How bribery became rooted in North Korea’s military and the challenges of reform

Bribes in the military can be used to avoid punishment or have disciplinary infractions overlooked.

How bribery became rooted in North Korea’s military and the challenges of reform
Michael Bosack
Michael Bosack August 19, 2026
Trump revives playbook on North Korea diplomacy, but Kim holds more cards now
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Trump revives playbook on North Korea diplomacy, but Kim holds more cards now

Reduced military drills may reopen the door to talks, but Pyongyang has fewer incentives to engage than in 2018

Trump revives playbook on North Korea diplomacy, but Kim holds more cards now
Shreyas Reddy
Shreyas Reddy August 18, 2026
Growing Russia-North Korea trade may not yet transform DPRK’s economy
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Growing Russia-North Korea trade may not yet transform DPRK’s economy

DPRK-Russia commercial ties are becoming more visible, but the data shows gains so far remain in heavy industries

Growing Russia-North Korea trade may not yet transform DPRK’s economy
Gabriella Wangmu Zhaxi
Gabriella Wangmu Zhaxi August 17, 2026
North Korea is China’s biggest foreign wine market for fourth year in a row
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North Korea is China’s biggest foreign wine market for fourth year in a row

DPRK sources wine through bulk imports at low cost, which likely makes its way to domestic bottlers and distributors

North Korea is China’s biggest foreign wine market for fourth year in a row
Veronica Hou August 14, 2026
Seoul’s restoration of inter-Korean railway could still reap benefits: experts

Seoul’s restoration of inter-Korean railway could still reap benefits: experts

While the project may not lead to a change in North Korea’s position, it could contribute to infrastructure development

Seoul’s restoration of inter-Korean railway could still reap benefits: experts
Jooheon Kim
Jooheon Kim August 6, 2026
What 30,000 North Korean troops could mean for Russia’s war against Ukraine

What 30,000 North Korean troops could mean for Russia’s war against Ukraine

Experts say deployment is feasible but question whether DPRK personnel would be sent directly into frontline combat

What 30,000 North Korean troops could mean for Russia’s war against Ukraine
Anton Sokolin
Anton Sokolin July 27, 2026
Lee’s North Korea policy ‘reset’ waits on a Pyongyang that sees no need

Lee’s North Korea policy ‘reset’ waits on a Pyongyang that sees no need

Experts say Seoul’s peace-first strategy is coherent, but its success depends on changes beyond South Korea’s control

Lee’s North Korea policy ‘reset’ waits on a Pyongyang that sees no need
Joon Ha Park
Joon Ha Park July 24, 2026
Beyond the photo ops: What lies behind North Korea and China’s diplomatic surge

Beyond the photo ops: What lies behind North Korea and China’s diplomatic surge

Delegation visits highlight Beijing’s push for influence, but only time will tell if the momentum will last, experts say

Beyond the photo ops: What lies behind North Korea and China’s diplomatic surge
Shreyas Reddy
Shreyas Reddy July 23, 2026
A closer look into North Korea’s latest reshuffling of its leadership
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A closer look into North Korea’s latest reshuffling of its leadership

A senior official was investigated for corruption while an unnamed military officer rose in rank and prominence

A closer look into North Korea’s latest reshuffling of its leadership
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser July 22, 2026
North Korea’s trade with China sees H1 jump despite monthly slump: data
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North Korea’s trade with China sees H1 jump despite monthly slump: data

Pyongyang and Beijing continued sanctioned trade amid growing exchanges of fabrics, human hair and other usual drivers

North Korea’s trade with China sees H1 jump despite monthly slump: data
Anton Sokolin
Anton Sokolin July 20, 2026
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