How the Iran Conflict is Testing an Already Strained US-ROK Alliance

While the alliance remains irreplaceable, Seoul will have to navigate it more flexibly as American priorities and plans grow less predictable.

Mar 25 • Gabriela Bernal

North Korea's Succession Question: The Future of the Kim Dynasty

The Inaugural Report of the Strategic Insights Series.

Mar 16 • Gabriela Bernal

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The Iran Conflict: Implications for U.S.-North Korea Diplomacy Moving Forward

Events in Iran will likely deepen Pyongyang’s nuclear resolve and its distrust of Trump.

Mar 3 • Gabriela Bernal

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February 2026

North Korea’s Ninth Party Congress and the Future of Inter-Korean Relations

Kim Jong Un says Seoul has been "forever" removed from the category of compatriots.

Feb 27 • Gabriela Bernal

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Shift in Pyongyang's Tone: Small but Positive Signal | Changing Currents

A Rare Word of Appreciation from Pyongyang.

Feb 19 • Gabriela Bernal

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January 2026

The 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy: Implications for the Korean Peninsula | Changing Currents

Washington recalibrates security commitments as Seoul prepares to shoulder greater defense burden

Jan 26 • Gabriela Bernal

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China’s Approach to North Korea in 2026: Stability, Influence, and Strategic Caution

Despite recent Xi-Lee meeting, room for expanded Chinese role in Korean diplomacy remains limited.

Jan 13 • Gabriela Bernal

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November 2025

The Lee government's not-so-pragmatic North Korea policy

The reality is that Lee cannot have it all, and the government must place immediate priorities over grander ambitions.

Nov 13, 2025 • Gabriela Bernal

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October 2025

Can ASEAN play a greater role on the Korean Peninsula?

North Korea turns to ASEAN to diversify its partnerships, creating opportunities for the bloc to play a more active role on the Korean Peninsula.

Oct 17, 2025 • Gabriela Bernal

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September 2025

What to make of Washington’s plans to “modernize” the ROK-US alliance

Calls for expanding the scope of the USFK could have negative long-term repercussions for Seoul.

Sep 18, 2025 • Gabriela Bernal

Where do North Korea-China relations stand after Kim’s Beijing visit?

Rather than wanting to boost ties with Beijing, Kim Jong Un's main motivation behind the visit was to reshape his international image.

Sep 4, 2025 • Gabriela Bernal

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August 2025

What will it take to restart inter-Korean cooperation?

South Korea is stuck between an emboldened North Korea and a distracted United States

Aug 27, 2025 • Gabriela Bernal

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