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More articles by 'Andrei Lankov'
Best of frenemies: Soviet perceptions of North Korea in the 1970s
Pyongyang showed little gratitude for Soviet assistance, yet Moscow couldn't afford to abandon the relationship
December 31, 2019
The left is right: why South Korea should continue its policy of engagement
Progressives may be naïve about North Korea, but conservative policies will likely only lead to increasing tensions
December 10, 2019
Brace yourselves: why North Korea is ready to turn up the tensions in 2020
With little progress in diplomacy, expect Pyongyang to return to a familiar playbook
December 4, 2019
Why, when North Korea misbehaves, the South can’t help but turn the other cheek
The current administration is wedded to a good-will policy — and Pyongyang is happy to exploit it
November 25, 2019
Bow to the leader: a history of North Korea’s iconic and ubiquitous Kim statues
Statues began being erected in the late 1960s, and continue to be sites of mandatory pilgrimage to this day
November 11, 2019
Why it’s time to drop unrealistic hopes for North Korean denuclearization
The unshakable commitment to an unachievable goal is stymying any chance of actually curbing the threat from Pyongyang
November 4, 2019
How North Korea’s devastating famine subverted the rigid “songbun” system
Many were able to use their foreign connections to start illegal, but profitable, cross-border businesses
October 27, 2019
Why, in talks with the U.S., North Korea can now afford to play hardball
With China back onside and Trump facing a domestic crisis, Pyongyang is in no great rush
October 8, 2019
Why, with John Bolton gone, U.S. diplomacy can move more freely — and recklessly
The hawkish advisor had long limited President Trump's more adventurous approach to North Korea
September 25, 2019
If diplomacy with North Korea fails, could South Korea go nuclear?
Contrary to some American claims, a regional arms build-up appears unlikely
September 23, 2019
