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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July 2024

The Evolution of Kim Jong Un's Cult of Personality

Recent developments suggest the North Korean leader is boosting his image while placing less focus on his predecessors

Jul 10, 2024 • Gabriela Bernal

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March 2024

The state of North Korean Women's Rights

An International Women's Day special feature looking at the state of women's rights in the DPRK

Mar 8, 2024 • Gabriela Bernal

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January 2024

The Donald Trump administration's approach to inter-Korean relations

Could a second Trump presidency help revive inter-Korean ties?

Jan 29, 2024 • Gabriela Bernal

A Bleak Outlook for Inter-Korean Relations in 2024

Prospects for unification fade while chances of renewed conflict increase

Jan 8, 2024 • Gabriela Bernal