About the author
More articles by 'Andrei Lankov'
Bow to the leader: a history of North Korea’s iconic and ubiquitous Kim statues
Statues began being erected in the late 1960s, and continue to be sites of mandatory pilgrimage to this day
Why it’s time to drop unrealistic hopes for North Korean denuclearization
The unshakable commitment to an unachievable goal is stymying any chance of actually curbing the threat from Pyongyang
How North Korea’s devastating famine subverted the rigid “songbun” system
Many were able to use their foreign connections to start illegal, but profitable, cross-border businesses
Why, in talks with the U.S., North Korea can now afford to play hardball
With China back onside and Trump facing a domestic crisis, Pyongyang is in no great rush
Why, with John Bolton gone, U.S. diplomacy can move more freely — and recklessly
The hawkish advisor had long limited President Trump's more adventurous approach to North Korea
If diplomacy with North Korea fails, could South Korea go nuclear?
Contrary to some American claims, a regional arms build-up appears unlikely
In Japan, pessimism about the intractable Koreas now prevails
Observers and officials in Tokyo see little hope for reconciliation with either Seoul or Pyongyang
North Korean women and ‘common law marriages’ in China
The situation for these women is often dire, but various circumstances can lead to them staying
Why North Korea won’t be playing nice with South Korea anytime soon
Pyongyang is firmly focused on winning sanctions relief — talks with Seoul are simply not a priority
Why North Korea’s new round of missile testing is no cause for alarm
Pyongyang is acting out, but Kim Jong Un is unlikely to withdraw from diplomacy anytime soon
