North Korea

As the number of defectors from North Korea arriving in the South has surged in the past decade, reconfiguring integration programs for them has become crucial.

China is undermining its own security interests by downplaying North Korea’s deadly provocations in the Yellow Sea.

The sinking of a South Korean naval vessel and artillery attack against a South Korean island highlight that stability on the peninsula is threatened by more than the nuclear issue. A resumption of talks to address maritime delimitation and confidence-building measures – within the context of recalibrated deterrence – are needed to avoid further deterioration towards conflict.

Outwardly, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, North Korea) appears stable. However, the country has been shaken by constricting international sanctions, extremely poor policy choices, and several internal challenges that have the potential to trigger instability.

Pyongyang’s latest round of provocations has prompted Beijing to reconsider its North Korea policy.

The motivations for North Korea’s second nuclear test are, as with many of its actions, mostly impenetrable.

This background report examines what is known about the North Korean nuclear and missile programs in mid-2009.

This report examines North Korea’s chemical and biological weapons capabilities in the context of its military doctrine and national objectives.

North Korea says it is preparing to launch an experimental communications satellite using a rocket that is part of its ballistic missile program.

North Korea’s relations with Russia have been marked by unrealistic expectations and frequent disappointments but common interests have prevented a rupture.