- Despite previous analysis to the contrary, with the escalation of rh...etoric and action (e.g. South Korea stating the desire to build bunker busting ballistic missiles and special forces "kill teams") will North Korea be goaded into initiating actual military conflict out of fear that the United States and South Korea are moving to a buildup of forces that appear increasingly to provide a preemptive strike capability? See more
- Possibly North Korea is "spoiling" their test flights to present a f...alse appearance of unreliability. Deception is the primary method of effective warfare and we are still at war with North Korea; truce aside. See more
- Organisation
- The Daily NKNews and media website
- Media/news company
What is missing though and ...has been for many years, is a sound strategy of the main stakeholde
None of the papers made available offer a plausible forward strategy and vision, although there are possible peaceful solutions.
The obvious reality is that leaders attempt to manage the DPRK crisis on a day-to-day
The main host of any possible solution, no doubt, is China.
Extraordin
President Trump's aggressive rhetoric towards North Korea and recent threats to pull out of the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) not only undermine US credibility with its allies, but also play into Pyongyang's strategic interests, writes Andray Abrahamian. Read the latest at USKI's 38 North.
Retired US foreign service officer Jeff Baron interviews Japanese expert Mitsuhiro Mimura on social and economic changes observed over his 45 visits to the DPRK across two decades. Read the interview at USKI's 38 North.
In this first look at North Korea's Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site, multiple landslides are visible in initial post-test commercial satellite imagery. Additional assessments are forthcoming as higher resolution imagery becomes available. Read the latest at USKI's 38 North.
In this second installment on getting tough on North Korea, Amb. Joseph DeThomas lays out critical elements, including sanctions enforcement, deterrence, diplomatic tracks and consistent messaging from Washington, to shape a viable policy to tackle the North Korea nuclear challenge. Read the latest analysis at USKI's 38 North.
North Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site. Preliminary seismic readings indicate that the test device's yield was the DPRK's largest yet at around 120 kilotons--six times that of its last test in September 2016. While further information is still needed for a more complete post-test assessment, the latest test clearly demonstrates Pyongyang's progress and the increased threat it poses to the region. Read the latest at USKI's 38 North.
Recent commercial satellite imagery of North Korea's Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site indicate the site continues to be in a state of readiness. It cannot, however, corroborate recent reports that a potential nuclear test may be imminent. Read the latest and view imagery at USKI's 38 North.
While it's unclear as to why North Korea's latest missile test flew a limited distance of 2,700 km and broke into three pieces, Michael Elleman points to the possible employment of a post-boost vehicle (PBV). If so, this could signal the DPRK is seriously developing nuclear-tipped missiles capable of striking the US mainland. Read the latest analysis at USKI's 38 North.
While South Korean President Moon Jae-in has enjoyed domestic success in his first 100 days in office, he is struggling in pursuing his North Korea policy. John Delury reviews Moon's strategic vision and the challenges that lay ahead. Read the latest at USKI's 38 North.
As sensationalist media reports on prospects of a future North Korean underground nuclear test triggering a catastrophic volcanic eruption resurface, Frank Pabian points to precedent to allay concerns. Read the latest at USKI's 38 North.
Georgy Toloraya breaks down the gap in policy perspectives between Russia and the US when it comes to solving the issue of North Korea's nuclear weapons program and offers recommendations for moving forward. Read the latest at USKI's 38 North.
As the US increases pressure on ASEAN states to isolate North Korea, questions loom over the future of DPRK-Myanmar relations. Andray Abrahamian and Wai Moe examine key aspects of the relationship and future directions. Read the latest at USKI's 38 North.
Michael Elleman analyzes photos of Kim Jong Un's visit to the Chemical Material Institute of the Academy of Defence Sciences, to see what may be in the works for North Korea's ballistic missile program. Read the latest at USKI's 38 North.
Leon V. Sigal parses the narrative of nuclear diplomacy between the US and DPRK, underscoring pressure with negotiations was far more effective than solely sanctions and isolation. Read the latest at USKI's 38 North.
