38North.org

A Stimson Center Publication

Informed Analysis of North Korea: 38 North provides high-quality research, analysis and commentary on a broad range of topics related to North Korea

In Korean Peninsula Research

38 North is an authoritative source of information and analysis about the DPRK’s internal and external affairs. Given the inherent dangers of conflict on the Korean Peninsula, an informed public debate on issues related to North Korea can reduce the risks of misperception and miscalculation. 38 North’s focused efforts help ensure that high-quality research, analysis and data resources are available to policymakers and practitioners working to solve one of the most complex security dilemmas facing the world today.

WEBSITE

Information and analysis about North Korean internal and external affairs for policymakers and the general public.

Reports & Papers

Report
Mats Engman and Frida Lampinen highlight a risk management framework that reaches beyond traditional security measures on the Korean Peninsula
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Mats Engman • Frida Lampinen
Policy Paper
As North Korea's WMD capabilities evolve, the US and South Korea must adapt their extended deterrence arrangement.
Jenny Town • Iliana Ragnone
Policy Paper
The history and evolution of the US-ROK military command architecture reveal the inherent push and pull at the heart of the alliance.
Clint Work
Policy Paper
Though the Biden and Yoon administrations have signaled continued support for US-ROK relations, the fitful evolution of the U.S. force presence highlights concerns regarding a lack of cohesion within the alliance.
Clint Work
Policy Paper
The military working group aimed to discuss the challenges of North Korea’s advancing capabilities and provide recommendations for the U.S.-ROK to prepare against an evolving threat.
Natalia Slavney • Clint Work
Issue Brief
Dialogue with North Korea ranks high on Biden’s foreign policy to-do list. However, the path forward is not without obstacles—old and new.
Jenny Town
Policy Paper
The Korea Study Group aimed to empower Congress and build a dialogue on security challenges on and around the Korean Peninsula
Clint Work
Policy Paper
Conflicting assessments of North Korea’s biological weapons capabilities do not indicate an advanced BW program
Elisa Harris

Additional Research

Resource
As 2023 comes to a close, this list highlights a few key issues and developments covered by 38 North.
Resource
Nonresident Fellow Rachel Minyoung Lee has translated articles from key economic journals, informing research conducted by Ms. Lee and Nonresident Fellow Robert Carlin.
Project Note
How is North Korea’s economy coping with the pandemic, and what lies ahead for sanctions, trade, and production in the isolated country?
Video
A discussion on cost-sharing dynamics in the US-ROK and US-Japan alliance, Seoul-Tokyo relations, China’s rise, and US political transition.
Clint Work
Project Note
Key takeaways on the changing dynamics and challenges within the stalled talks on the Korean Peninsula that the pandemic reveals
Impact
Sophisticated tools and a breadth and depth of expertise makes Stimson’s 38 North the premier outlet for unbiased, critical and accurate analysis of North Korea.

News & Commentary

Commentary
Amid deepening ties between Russia and North Korea, examining the implications of the Russia-Ukraine war on North Korea's foreign policy
Rachel Minyoung Lee
Commentary
As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its third year, this piece explores South Korea's approach to Ukraine and its options moving forward
Kil Joo Ban
Commentary
Using GEOINT analysis, this article shows the completion of North Korea’s Hwangju-Kindung Waterway, officially declared operational in December 2023
Peter Makowsky • Iliana Ragnone • Jenny Town
Commentary
38 North’s report examines how North Korea’s economic policy decisions are made and rolled out under Kim Jong Un
Robert Carlin • Rachel Minyoung Lee
Commentary
38 North’s report examines North Korea’s current energy challenges and explores potential clean energy and sustainability solutions
Martyn Williams • Seungmin (Helen) Lee • Natalia Slavney...
Commentary
Ruediger Frank explores how embassy closures tie into DPRK's strategy shift from managing risks to avoiding them, and their implications
Ruediger Frank
Commentary
Following North Korea's satellite launch on November 21, Vann Van Diepen discusses the reconnaissance satellite's development and potential impacts
Vann H. Van Diepen
Commentary
What choices, trade-offs, and potential implications does South Korea face in its discussion of nuclearization?
Jagannath Panda

Events

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38 North: News and Analysis on North Korea