Benjamin R. Young, Ph.D. has taught at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dakota State University and the U.S. Naval War College. He was a 2024-25 Stanton Foundation Nuclear Security Fellow at the RAND Corporation. He is now an Assistant Professor of Intelligence Studies at Fayetteville State University. He is the author of the book "Guns, Guerillas, and the Great Leader: North Korea and the Third World" (Stanford University Press, 2021).
DPRK troops at Russia’s Victory Parade suggest the allies are building ties to outlast the war in Ukraine
A full-blown mercenary force is unlikely, but a heavily sanctioned DPRK will still look to capitalize on conflict abroad
‘Comrades Beyond the Cold War’ reveals how DPRK exported arms, ideology and art to Southern Africa, defying hermit label
Stereotypes about communist tactics risk minimizing how DPRK troops are adjusting to modern combat in Kursk
Kim Jong Un has thrown off isolation to support invasion of Ukraine, but Trump’s rapport with leader provides an opening
Foreign friends and foes have long fixated on Pyongyang’s tidiness, highlighting regime’s success in hiding its flaws
Trump has been willing to ditch Beltway fantasy of complete denuclearization and should pursue arms control if reelected
DPRK once cultivated ties with smaller nations but has now set its sights on more powerful players, and Russia above all
DPRK weapons and unique expertise are a welcome asset for Iran and its proxies in a global assault on US leadership
Pyongyang is likely fuming over perceived disloyalty of longtime ally, but bilateral ties have been marginal for years
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