March 19, 2024

About the author

Peter Ward

Peter Ward is a senior researcher at Kookmin University, a writer and researcher focusing on the North Korean economy, and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Vienna.

More articles by 'Peter Ward'

What North Korea’s official budget reveals about its spending priorities in 2024
NK PRO

What North Korea’s official budget reveals about its spending priorities in 2024

DPRK figures only capture portion of economy but show large investments in science and little in regional development

What North Korea’s official budget reveals about its spending priorities in 2024
Peter Ward
Peter Ward February 21, 2024
Survey shows markets reign supreme in the daily lives of North Koreans
NK PRO

Survey shows markets reign supreme in the daily lives of North Koreans

Unification ministry’s interviews with DPRK escapees revealed most living outside Pyongyang get no state support

Survey shows markets reign supreme in the daily lives of North Koreans
Peter Ward
Peter Ward February 14, 2024
20×10=success? Why Kim Jong Un’s regional development plan may be too ambitious
NK PRO

20×10=success? Why Kim Jong Un’s regional development plan may be too ambitious

North Korea seeks to build 200 factories over the next decade, but finding the resources will be easier said than done

20×10=success? Why Kim Jong Un’s regional development plan may be too ambitious
Peter Ward
Peter Ward January 31, 2024
A statistical mirage? Scrutinizing North Korea’s claims of economic resurgence
NK PRO

A statistical mirage? Scrutinizing North Korea’s claims of economic resurgence

While likely inaccurate, figures showing 12% annual growth may reflect country’s trajectory as it recovers from pandemic

A statistical mirage? Scrutinizing North Korea’s claims of economic resurgence
Peter Ward
Peter Ward January 5, 2024
Why China’s military could back North Korea in a conflict on the peninsula
NK PRO

Why China’s military could back North Korea in a conflict on the peninsula

Beijing’s support for DPRK is unlikely to extend to intervention — unless it can divert US in Taiwan contingency

Why China’s military could back North Korea in a conflict on the peninsula
Peter Ward
Peter Ward December 11, 2023
From QR codes to the blockchain: Inside North Korea’s digital payment plans
NK PRO

From QR codes to the blockchain: Inside North Korea’s digital payment plans

DPRK has pushed to go digital in recent years, a move that could give state greater control over citizens’ finances

From QR codes to the blockchain: Inside North Korea’s digital payment plans
Peter Ward
Peter Ward December 5, 2023
What North Korea can learn from China’s successful agricultural reforms
NK PRO

What North Korea can learn from China’s successful agricultural reforms

DPRK is unlikely to embrace privatization, but China’s experience with co-ops of smaller farmers could serve as a guide

What North Korea can learn from China’s successful agricultural reforms
Peter Ward
Peter Ward October 27, 2023
A centerpiece of Kim Jong Un’s reforms survives push to reassert state control
NK PRO

A centerpiece of Kim Jong Un’s reforms survives push to reassert state control

Analysis suggests North Korea has not yet abandoned earlier reforms, even as it has reigned in order contract system

A centerpiece of Kim Jong Un’s reforms survives push to reassert state control
Peter Ward
Peter Ward October 17, 2023
A North Korean ministry returns from dead, and what it means for farming reform
NK PRO

A North Korean ministry returns from dead, and what it means for farming reform

DPRK revealed new policies that could incentivize farmers to boost crop output, while also reinforcing state control

A North Korean ministry returns from dead, and what it means for farming reform
Peter Ward
Peter Ward October 3, 2023
North Korea demands end to regional inequality, but offers mostly futile fixes
NK PRO

North Korea demands end to regional inequality, but offers mostly futile fixes

While new law shows state concerned about rural poverty, solutions rely on redistribution of resources that don’t exist

North Korea demands end to regional inequality, but offers mostly futile fixes
Peter Ward
Peter Ward September 12, 2023
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