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More articles by 'Andrei Lankov'
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
In Japan, pessimism about the intractable Koreas now prevails
Observers and officials in Tokyo see little hope for reconciliation with either Seoul or Pyongyang
September 16, 2019
North Korean women and ‘common law marriages’ in China
The situation for these women is often dire, but various circumstances can lead to them staying
August 30, 2019
