Analysis
Latest NK PRO analysis related to the DPRK
Two years on: Humanitarian consequences of North Korea’s border lockdown
With the return of aid workers to the DPRK nowhere in sight, conditions for the most vulnerable are likely worsening
January 21, 2022
Small state, grand strategy: North Korea’s policy plans for 2022 and beyond
Despite an inward focus for this year, Pyongyang still eyes the big-picture goal of recognition as a nuclear state
January 21, 2022
‘Absolutely crazy’: Chaos at Chinese ports, Omicron threaten DPRK trade restart
Handful of cases can shutter entire port cities as Beijing pursues elusive zero-COVID approach
January 20, 2022
Phoning it in: Expect another year of nothing from Biden on North Korea
Dealing with Kim Jong Un is more difficult than ever, and the White House has shown little urgency on engaging Pyongyang
January 20, 2022
The North Korean studio that has animated a Christmas film and Italian cartoons
Newly sanctioned SEK Studio has worked with South Korean and European artists for decades, raising money for Pyongyang
January 19, 2022
Timeline: How North Korean propaganda dialed back focus on Kim Jong Un in 2021
More erratic messaging appears to reflect upheavals in propaganda leadership, as notable changes decline in second half
January 19, 2022
North Korea risks angering China with missile launches ahead of Winter Olympics
China’s looking for a PR win, and won’t appreciate Kim Jong Un stealing the spotlight in February
January 17, 2022
The new normal? Experts see little hope for full restart of North Korean trade
Even after resumption of overland trade, erratic policy-making and new virus strains could reverse progress in 2022
January 17, 2022
North Korea wants women to bear children for the motherland. They aren’t.
The DPRK’s fertility rate is sliding down and its population aging despite the state’s pro-natalist policies
January 17, 2022
North Korea’s test of rail-based missiles continues emphasis on survivability
Launch sites near Chinese border could be difficult to target, while still putting US military headquarters within range
January 15, 2022
