Analysis
Latest NK Pro analysis related to the DPRK
Pyongyang’s playbook: How North Korea turned sports into tool for regime control
DPRK’s athletic success is product of decades of effort to assert state power and boost military readiness through sport
December 1, 2023
North Korea’s post-reform elections looked a lot like those that came before
State media again reported near 100% turnout but acknowledged votes against chosen candidates for first time in decades
November 30, 2023
State media review: North Korea faults ‘puppets’ for collapse of military deal
An in-depth analysis of the CMA blame game, no-choice elections, praise for DPRK’s new satellite and more
November 30, 2023
In orbit: Everything we know about North Korea’s new spy satellite so far
Malligyong-1 circles Earth over dozen times per day and can likely produce useful intelligence despite technical limits
November 30, 2023
Why Russian airlines may be eyeing routes to North Korea amid burgeoning ties
Experts say tourism and desire to transport DPRK laborers are likely behind proposal but question its feasibility
November 29, 2023
Why it matters if South Koreans personally know a North Korean defector
Few in ROK have met escapee, but personal contact influences views on defector support, inter-Korean issues and more
November 28, 2023
Reopening in slow motion: The growing risks of North Korea’s two-tiered scheme
DPRK is playing favorites with Russia and China, suggesting full return of diplomats and tourists could be long way off
November 27, 2023
North Korea’s election reforms are not the first time voters have had a choice
Single-candidate polls are the norm, but past examples of competitive elections provide precedent for making changes
November 24, 2023
How North Korea’s move to scrap military deal raises risk of conflict with South
DPRK set to resume array of military activities near border, though experts differ on whether ROK should respond in kind
November 23, 2023
State media review: North Korea extols ‘heroic’ moms raising soldiers for regime
An in-depth analysis of Mother’s Day celebrations, criticism of US weapons sales and silence about a new missile holiday
November 23, 2023
