March 29, 2024

About the author

Nicolas Levi

Nicolas Levi is a senior researcher at the Institute of Mediterranean and Oriental Cultures of the Polish Academy of Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Social Sciences from the  Institute of Political Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences. He is the author of eight books related to North Korea and a consultant on Korean issues for international organizations. You can follow him on Twitter.

More articles by 'Nicolas Levi'

How North Korea’s diplomats navigate privilege and peril abroad

How North Korea’s diplomats navigate privilege and peril abroad

Staff at overseas missions enjoy more freedom than compatriots back home but must turn to illicit activities to survive

How North Korea’s diplomats navigate privilege and peril abroad
Nicolas Levi
Nicolas Levi December 25, 2023
Why North Korea looked abroad for an education in international business
NK PRO

Why North Korea looked abroad for an education in international business

Outside educators have helped fill knowledge gaps and could again provide avenue for engagement once DPRK reopens

Why North Korea looked abroad for an education in international business
Nicolas Levi
Nicolas Levi July 6, 2023
How North Korea embraced an obscure religion as a tool for Korean unification

How North Korea embraced an obscure religion as a tool for Korean unification

Kim Il Sung praised Chondoism as a patriotic and native faith, allowing it to flourish relative to other religions

How North Korea embraced an obscure religion as a tool for Korean unification
Nicolas Levi
Nicolas Levi June 21, 2023
How North Korea handles nuclear waste: From risky disposal to deals with Taiwan

How North Korea handles nuclear waste: From risky disposal to deals with Taiwan

DPRK’s waste management practices have been criticized as ‘atrocious,’ but Pyongyang has engaged on the issue before

How North Korea handles nuclear waste: From risky disposal to deals with Taiwan
Nicolas Levi
Nicolas Levi April 20, 2023
How Paris became the favorite European escape of North Korea’s elite

How Paris became the favorite European escape of North Korea’s elite

City of Lights has long held dark appeal for DPRK nobility seeking entertainment or just refuge from Pyongyang intrigue

How Paris became the favorite European escape of North Korea’s elite
Nicolas Levi
Nicolas Levi February 14, 2023
North Korea and France have no official ties. That doesn’t mean they don’t talk.
NK PRO

North Korea and France have no official ties. That doesn’t mean they don’t talk.

Despite diplomatic non-recognition, the two states have long found ways to cooperate in business and cultural exchanges

North Korea and France have no official ties. That doesn’t mean they don’t talk.
Nicolas Levi
Nicolas Levi January 9, 2023
What the exile of a North Korean prince reveals about power in the DPRK
NK PRO

What the exile of a North Korean prince reveals about power in the DPRK

Kim Pyong Il was once viewed as a potential successor, but the regime has undermined any claim he might have to power

What the exile of a North Korean prince reveals about power in the DPRK
Nicolas Levi
Nicolas Levi December 23, 2022
The lasting legacy of North Korean orphans in Poland

The lasting legacy of North Korean orphans in Poland

DPRK sent thousands of children to the country after the Korean War in a move that has shaped bilateral ties to this day

The lasting legacy of North Korean orphans in Poland
Nicolas Levi
Nicolas Levi November 1, 2022
Why Poland could play a key role in efforts to engage North Korea
NK PRO

Why Poland could play a key role in efforts to engage North Korea

Former communist bloc state maintains ties with DPRK, but EU membership and bilateral disputes complicate cooperation

Why Poland could play a key role in efforts to engage North Korea
Nicolas Levi
Nicolas Levi September 5, 2022
ANALYSIS: The impact of Jang Song Thaek’s ouster

ANALYSIS: The impact of Jang Song Thaek’s ouster

So far no sign of a purge of Jang’s network or loss of other positions

ANALYSIS: The impact of Jang Song Thaek’s ouster
Nicolas Levi
Nicolas Levi December 5, 2013