Resources & Tools

Map of North Korea (Courtesy: CIA)
May 2009 | On the Issues by John S. Park

One day after North Korea’s nuclear test drew widespread condemnation, the country on May 26th test-launched two more short-range missiles. This marks Pyongyang's second nuclear test, after its first in October 2006. Amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula, South Korea joined the Proliferation Security Initiative, a U.S. initiative to curb the trade of weapons of mass destruction, an action North has called a declaration of war.

Countries: Asia, North Korea | Issue Areas: Weapons & Arms Control
Credit: File Photo
May 2009 | Working Paper by John S. Park

By examining how North Korea, Inc. — the web of state trading companies affiliated to the Korean Workers’ Party, the Korean People’s Army, and the Cabinet — operates, this report highlights a new framework for gauging regime stability in North Korea.

Credit: CIA World Factbook
May 2009 | Working Paper by Carla Freeman and Drew Thompson

This report examines the complexities of Chinese-Norht Korean relations, taking into account the perspective of China's border areas, a vital aspect of China's relationship with the Korean peninsula that is often overlooked.

Map of North Korea (Courtesy: CIA)
April 2009 | On the Issues by John S. Park

The White House said North Korea had taken "a serious step in the wrong direction" when the regime expelled international inspectors from the country and announced it would restart its nuclear program. USIP’s John S. Park provides regional context to the latest developments. 

Countries: China, North Korea | Issue Areas: Weapons & Arms Control
September 2008 | On the Issues by John S. Park

Recent reports on the ill health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il have renewed speculation over his succession and the country’s future, while chronic food shortages and stalled denuclearization activities complicate the situation. In this On the Issues, Senior Research Associate and North Korea specialist John S. Park explores these issues.

Countries: North Korea | Issue Areas: Humanitarian Efforts
July 2008 | On the Issues by John S. Park

What are the repercussions of Pyongyang's and Washington's recent steps on the nuclear issue? Is this a major shift or a calculated short-term move? Read analysis from Senior Fellow John S. Park.

April 2008 | Peaceworks by Wu Xinbo
January 2008 | Working Paper by Bonnie Glaser, Scott Snyder, and John S. Park

What is the nature of internal Chinese debate regarding North Korea? In the event of instability in the Korean peninsula, how would Beijing respond? Drawing on discussions with North Korea specialists during a Center for Strategic and International Studies-USIP delegation visit to the People's Republic of China, this report explores these and related issues.

October 2007 | Working Paper by David Albright and Paul Brannan

While the October 3, 2007 Six-Party Talks accord outlines a roadmap for the disablement of North Korea’s core nuclear facilities, the specific details of the nuclear disablement process are still being developed. USIP’s Korea Working Group commissioned this Working Paper in order to facilitate a better understanding of nuclear disablement.

Countries: North Korea | Issue Areas: Weapons & Arms Control
February 2007 | Special Report by Scott Snyder and Joel Wit

Drawing on two international conferences recently held in China, this report explores the influences relationships such as that between the U.S. and China have on the Korean peninsula.