March 29, 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'

Book review: How interest groups shape US policy toward North Korea

Book review: How interest groups shape US policy toward North Korea

New book explores how foreign governments and military-industrial complex influence US foreign policy

Book review: How interest groups shape US policy toward North Korea
Peter Ward
Peter Ward April 7, 2022
Why Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has a limited impact on North Korea’s economy
NK PRO

Why Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has a limited impact on North Korea’s economy

Subsidized trade and depressed demand likely insulate the DPRK economy from food and oil price shocks — but not forever

Why Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has a limited impact on North Korea’s economy
Peter Ward
Peter Ward March 29, 2022
The unique ways that capital is allocated in North Korea
NK PRO

The unique ways that capital is allocated in North Korea

The DPRK relies on Soviet-style state-directed development, with regular households expected to make up the rest

The unique ways that capital is allocated in North Korea
Peter Ward
Peter Ward February 18, 2022
The price is right: How North Korea has sought to rein in market forces
NK PRO

The price is right: How North Korea has sought to rein in market forces

Recent DPRK research points to tighter regulations, likely to prevent price wars and manage competition between firms

The price is right: How North Korea has sought to rein in market forces
Peter Ward
Peter Ward February 8, 2022
Why North Koreans make the rational choice to accept state repression
NK PRO

Why North Koreans make the rational choice to accept state repression

The DPRK’s crackdown on foreign media can make ignorance the best option, but it also comes at high cost to the regime

Why North Koreans make the rational choice to accept state repression
Peter Ward
Peter Ward January 25, 2022
Kim Jong Un’s plenum speech displays striking lack of new economic ideas
NK PRO

Kim Jong Un’s plenum speech displays striking lack of new economic ideas

North Korea is prioritizing central control, rolling back reforms in ways that hurt markets and economic autonomy

Kim Jong Un’s plenum speech displays striking lack of new economic ideas
Peter Ward
Peter Ward January 1, 2022
In officially tax-free North Korea, where does the state get its money?
NK PRO

In officially tax-free North Korea, where does the state get its money?

The DPRK has multiple revenue sources, including taxes, that have both positive and negative impacts on the economy

In officially tax-free North Korea, where does the state get its money?
Peter Ward
Peter Ward December 30, 2021
What the North Korean economy will look like over the next 10 years
NK PRO

What the North Korean economy will look like over the next 10 years

Kim Jong Un will likely continue rolling back tepid reforms, with potentially disastrous consequences for marketization

What the North Korean economy will look like over the next 10 years
Peter Ward
Peter Ward December 23, 2021
How Kim Jong Un uses party committee memberships to manage Pyongyang’s elite
NK PRO

How Kim Jong Un uses party committee memberships to manage Pyongyang’s elite

Political and military elites in North Korea appear to rotate in and out of power much more frequently under Kim

How Kim Jong Un uses party committee memberships to manage Pyongyang’s elite
Peter Ward
Peter Ward December 14, 2021
How has COVID-19 impacted North Korean market prices?
NK PRO

How has COVID-19 impacted North Korean market prices?

Foreign exchange, food and fuel all took different price swings during North Korea’s strict pandemic border controls

How has COVID-19 impacted North Korean market prices?
Peter Ward
Peter Ward December 1, 2021
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