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.
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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
38 North Team
Analysis
Commentary
North Korea’s Hwangju-Kindung Waterway Project
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
- February 15, 2024
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
Resource
As 2023 comes to a close, this list highlights a few key issues and developments covered by 38 North.
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