Peter Ward | NK News
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January 07, 2025

About the author

Peter Ward

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'

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
How North Korea seeks to fix its stark problem of child malnutrition
NK PRO

How North Korea seeks to fix its stark problem of child malnutrition

Infant Care Act mandates food production for kids and building daycares, but in process creates new burdens for people

How North Korea seeks to fix its stark problem of child malnutrition
Peter Ward
Peter Ward August 28, 2023
A brewing storm: How North Korea has failed to prepare for extreme weather
NK PRO

A brewing storm: How North Korea has failed to prepare for extreme weather

Climate change is amplifying floods and droughts, but regime is unwilling or unable to invest in robust infrastructure

A brewing storm: How North Korea has failed to prepare for extreme weather
Peter Ward
Peter Ward August 23, 2023
A history of violence: North Korea seeks to curb assault with toothless new law
NK PRO

A history of violence: North Korea seeks to curb assault with toothless new law

Creation of anti-battery law points to widespread violence, but light penalties betray authorities’ lenient attitude

A history of violence: North Korea seeks to curb assault with toothless new law
Peter Ward
Peter Ward August 4, 2023
Why North Korea has reined in firms’ freedom to set their own prices
NK PRO

Why North Korea has reined in firms’ freedom to set their own prices

DPRK laws shine light on efforts to reassert control in key economic sectors, a move that could stifle innovation

Why North Korea has reined in firms’ freedom to set their own prices
Peter Ward
Peter Ward July 12, 2023
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