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September 26, 2026Sep 26, 2026

About the author

Benjamin R. Young

Benjamin R. Young

Benjamin R. Young, Ph.D. has taught at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dakota State University and the U.S. Naval War College. He was a 2024-25 Stanton Foundation Nuclear Security Fellow at the RAND Corporation. He is now an Assistant Professor of Intelligence Studies at Fayetteville State University. He is the author of the book "Guns, Guerillas, and the Great Leader: North Korea and the Third World" (Stanford University Press, 2021).

More articles by 'Benjamin R. Young'

North Korea is marching deeper into Moscow’s orbit, and aims to stay

North Korea is marching deeper into Moscow’s orbit, and aims to stay

DPRK troops at Russia’s Victory Parade suggest the allies are building ties to outlast the war in Ukraine

North Korea is marching deeper into Moscow’s orbit, and aims to stay
Benjamin R. Young
Benjamin R. Young May 28, 2026
After Kursk: The foreign wars where North Korea could deploy its soldiers next

After Kursk: The foreign wars where North Korea could deploy its soldiers next

A full-blown mercenary force is unlikely, but a heavily sanctioned DPRK will still look to capitalize on conflict abroad

After Kursk: The foreign wars where North Korea could deploy its soldiers next
Benjamin R. Young
Benjamin R. Young November 28, 2025
Book review: Interrogating North Korea’s role in Africa’s fight for freedom

Book review: Interrogating North Korea’s role in Africa’s fight for freedom

‘Comrades Beyond the Cold War’ reveals how DPRK exported arms, ideology and art to Southern Africa, defying hermit label

Book review: Interrogating North Korea’s role in Africa’s fight for freedom
Benjamin R. Young
Benjamin R. Young September 10, 2025
The myth of human wave attacks obscures what North Korea is learning in Ukraine

The myth of human wave attacks obscures what North Korea is learning in Ukraine

Stereotypes about communist tactics risk minimizing how DPRK troops are adjusting to modern combat in Kursk

The myth of human wave attacks obscures what North Korea is learning in Ukraine
Benjamin R. Young
Benjamin R. Young January 30, 2025
North Korea’s bold turn toward Russia poses test for Trump’s second term

North Korea’s bold turn toward Russia poses test for Trump’s second term

Kim Jong Un has thrown off isolation to support invasion of Ukraine, but Trump’s rapport with leader provides an opening

North Korea’s bold turn toward Russia poses test for Trump’s second term
Benjamin R. Young
Benjamin R. Young November 28, 2024
Spick and span: How North Korea’s clean streets sanitize its image abroad

Spick and span: How North Korea’s clean streets sanitize its image abroad

Foreign friends and foes have long fixated on Pyongyang’s tidiness, highlighting regime’s success in hiding its flaws

Spick and span: How North Korea’s clean streets sanitize its image abroad
Benjamin R. Young
Benjamin R. Young August 30, 2024
Biden’s North Korea policy has failed. It’s time for something different.

Biden’s North Korea policy has failed. It’s time for something different.

Trump has been willing to ditch Beltway fantasy of complete denuclearization and should pursue arms control if reelected

Biden’s North Korea policy has failed. It’s time for something different.
Benjamin R. Young
Benjamin R. Young July 19, 2024
Why North Korea overhauled its foreign policy focus from small fry to big fish

Why North Korea overhauled its foreign policy focus from small fry to big fish

DPRK once cultivated ties with smaller nations but has now set its sights on more powerful players, and Russia above all

Why North Korea overhauled its foreign policy focus from small fry to big fish
Benjamin R. Young
Benjamin R. Young June 28, 2024
The revolutionary axis linking North Korea, Iran and Hamas

The revolutionary axis linking North Korea, Iran and Hamas

DPRK weapons and unique expertise are a welcome asset for Iran and its proxies in a global assault on US leadership

The revolutionary axis linking North Korea, Iran and Hamas
Benjamin R. Young
Benjamin R. Young April 9, 2024
Cuba’s move to establish ties with Seoul betrays North Korea’s economic weakness

Cuba’s move to establish ties with Seoul betrays North Korea’s economic weakness

Pyongyang is likely fuming over perceived disloyalty of longtime ally, but bilateral ties have been marginal for years

Cuba’s move to establish ties with Seoul betrays North Korea’s economic weakness
Benjamin R. Young
Benjamin R. Young February 22, 2024
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