May 03, 2024

About the author

Peter Ward

Peter Ward is a research fellow at the Sejong Institute. His work focuses on North Korean politics, the economy and society. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Vienna.

More articles by 'Peter Ward'

The true story of Pak Pong Ju: a mission of radical reform

The true story of Pak Pong Ju: a mission of radical reform

Since 2000s, N. Korean premier has pushed changes that have helped DPRK's economy survive sanctions

The true story of Pak Pong Ju: a mission of radical reform
Peter Ward
Peter Ward December 18, 2017
The legend of Pak Pong Ju: a film tribute to N. Korea’s premier

The legend of Pak Pong Ju: a film tribute to N. Korea’s premier

"Guarantee" depicts Pak as the ideal Party man and offers possible hints about his biography

The legend of Pak Pong Ju: a film tribute to N. Korea’s premier
Peter Ward
Peter Ward December 11, 2017
Cadres behaving badly: a cautionary tale, North Korean-style

Cadres behaving badly: a cautionary tale, North Korean-style

"Our Family’s Problem" is a compelling portrait of day-to-day Party life in the 1970s

Cadres behaving badly: a cautionary tale, North Korean-style
Peter Ward
Peter Ward December 4, 2017
How Kim Il Sung tried to save North Korea’s troubled planned economy

How Kim Il Sung tried to save North Korea’s troubled planned economy

In the years before the economic crisis, Pyongyang explored ways to mitigate rampant inefficiencies

How Kim Il Sung tried to save North Korea’s troubled planned economy
Peter Ward
Peter Ward November 14, 2017
The end of the PDS? Early economic reform debate in North Korea

The end of the PDS? Early economic reform debate in North Korea

Kim Il Sung's works show that internal discussion was more common than readers might assume

The end of the PDS? Early economic reform debate in North Korea
Peter Ward
Peter Ward November 9, 2017
Why South Koreans would stand up to the North

Why South Koreans would stand up to the North

The Republic of Korea would not simply roll over in the event of a U.S. withdrawal

Why South Koreans would stand up to the North
Peter Ward
Peter Ward October 6, 2017
North Korea’s fishing industry: Markets, private business, and foreign trade

North Korea’s fishing industry: Markets, private business, and foreign trade

New sanctions target a burgeoning entrepreneurial class often independent from the state

North Korea’s fishing industry: Markets, private business, and foreign trade
Peter Ward
Peter Ward August 25, 2017
Is it time for South Korea to develop nukes?

Is it time for South Korea to develop nukes?

A nuclear-armed Seoul could deal with Pyongyang on an equal playing field

Is it time for South Korea to develop nukes?
Peter Ward
Peter Ward June 23, 2017
The American-shaped dilemmas facing South Korea’s next President

The American-shaped dilemmas facing South Korea’s next President

Could Moon Jae-in recalibrate the alliance with the U.S.?

The American-shaped dilemmas facing South Korea’s next President
Peter Ward
Peter Ward March 29, 2017
The myth of Kim Jong Un’s absolute power

The myth of Kim Jong Un’s absolute power

Seeing North Korea a "one-man dictatorship" is a lazy generalization

The myth of Kim Jong Un’s absolute power
Peter Ward
Peter Ward March 20, 2017