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More articles by 'Peter Ward'
How North Korea tried and failed to reform its economy under each Kim ruler
Regime’s attitude to economic woes has evolved over years, hinting at what could inspire it to consider reform again
May 8, 2024
Why some countries welcome North Korean laborers despite the sanctions risks
States evaluate benefits of hosting DPRK workers differently depending on need for labor, costs of punishment and more
April 30, 2024
What North Korea stands to gain — and lose — by sending workers overseas
While the earning potential is lucrative for the regime, there are also many risks that come with exporting laborers
April 26, 2024
North Korea’s silence on Trump speaks volumes about its view of the US election
State media insists capitalists control the US political system, but regime’s actions betray a desire to resume dialogue
April 9, 2024
How North Korea’s obsession with racial purity informs its new stance on South
Kim regime has long claimed ethnic superiority and could use ROK’s multiculturalism to paint it as foreign enemy
April 2, 2024
What North Korea’s official budget reveals about its spending priorities in 2024
DPRK figures only capture portion of economy but show large investments in science and little in regional development
February 21, 2024
Survey shows markets reign supreme in the daily lives of North Koreans
Unification ministry’s interviews with DPRK escapees revealed most living outside Pyongyang get no state support
February 14, 2024
20×10=success? Why Kim Jong Un’s regional development plan may be too ambitious
North Korea seeks to build 200 factories over the next decade, but finding the resources will be easier said than done
January 31, 2024
A statistical mirage? Scrutinizing North Korea’s claims of economic resurgence
While likely inaccurate, figures showing 12% annual growth may reflect country’s trajectory as it recovers from pandemic
January 5, 2024
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
December 11, 2023
