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
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
How North Korea’s successful satellite launch could raise tensions in near term
Seoul has suspended military pact and will soon launch own satellite, but will be wary of undermining World Expo bid
November 22, 2023
North Korea’s new spy satellite could prevent conflict, but also abet attacks
Eyes in sky may give DPRK better idea of allied force movements, reducing uncertainty in crisis but improving targeting
November 22, 2023
