38 North, founded in 2010, is a research program focused on North Korea that investigates how internal and external dynamics are influencing the country’s strategic calculus and shaping the security environment around it, to inform new strategies for addressing this complex geopolitical challenge.
Our work incorporates open-source research, strategic dialogues, network building, and comparative studies to enhance understanding of one of the most difficult intelligence targets. These insights are essential to crafting more effective policies and approaches toward North Korea to help prevent conflict within an economically and politically critical, nuclear-armed region.
As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its third year, this piece explores South Korea's approach to Ukraine and its options moving forward
February 22, 2024
Using GEOINT analysis, this article shows the completion of North Korea’s Hwangju-Kindung Waterway, officially declared operational in December 2023
February 15, 2024
38 North’s report examines how North Korea’s economic policy decisions are made and rolled out under Kim Jong Un
February 12, 2024
As 2023 comes to a close, this list highlights a few key issues and developments covered by 38 North.
December 20, 2023
38 North’s report examines North Korea’s current energy challenges and explores potential clean energy and sustainability solutions
December 14, 2023
Ruediger Frank explores how embassy closures tie into DPRK's strategy shift from managing risks to avoiding them, and their implications
December 13, 2023
Following North Korea's satellite launch on November 21, Vann Van Diepen discusses the reconnaissance satellite's development and potential impacts
November 28, 2023
Dr. Samuel Ramani examines North Korea’s support for militant non-state actors in the Middle East, including its links with Hamas
October 24, 2023
