North Korea is often misunderstood, even as the challenges it poses to international peace and security take on enormous geopolitical importance. Understanding its self-perception and motivations is critical if policymakers are to craft effective strategies and policies and avoid the high costs of miscalculation. 38 North emphasizes hands-on experience and expertise with the authoritative 38North.org publication, in-depth research on issues central North Korean strategic thinking, and informal diplomatic engagement.
WEBSITE
Information and analysis about North Korean internal and external affairs for policymakers and the general public.
Related Projects
In partnership with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, a commercial satellite imagery analysis series focused on the North Korean economy
A comprehensive geospatial dataset based on open source data of North Korea's political, economic, cultural and security infrastructures
Analysis
Commentary
US President’s Overtures to Kim Jong Un Expectedly Fall Short
The U.S. president’s outreach to Kim was a commendable effort, but it is unsurprising he returned home without a meeting
Rachel Minyoung Lee
Commentary
How will new South Korean President Lee Jae-myung implement his ‘pragmatic’ foreign policy agenda?
Kayla Orta
Explainer
South Korea has become the first nation to pass a comprehensive AI legal framework—how effective will it be?
Seungmin (Helen) Lee
Commentary
South Korea’s newly-elected President Lee Jae-myung will face many geostrategic challenges, including North Korea
Frank Aum
Report
Joel Wit assesses the current status of US policy towards North Korea and how to move forward in an increasingly dangerous environment
Joel S. Wit
Events
- Past
- Event
- October 8, 2025
