KP
Stories (5)
Kim Jong Un's Power and Self-Reliance Plan
Summary: - The Ninth Party Congress (lead-up and outcome) emphasizes Kim Jong Un’s power consolidation, reinforced internal control, self-reliance, and mass mobilization as the core path for a new five-year plan (2026–2030, with a long-term target by 2035 for “overall development of socialism”). The plan prioritizes ideological, technological, and cultural revolutions and self-reliance, while offering few substantive economic reforms and continued sanctions pressure. - The Fi
2026-05-24North Korea Strengthens Ties with Russia, CHN
North Korea’s Ninth Party Congress signals a more assertive, secretive foreign policy under Kim Jong Un, with the regime positioning itself at the center of a multipolar world and prioritizing “peace with strength.” Key takeaways: - Foreign policy posture: Kim emphasizes stronger global influence, darker strategic operations, and a greater role for the party in guiding foreign policy. The regime aims to project deterrence and distance itself from Western alignment. - Russia
2026-05-24North Korea's 15th Supreme People's Assembly
Summary: 38 North researchers assess North Korea’s First Session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA), held March 22–23. Key outcomes: Kim Jong Un was elected as president of the State Affairs, with leadership, SPA committees, and a revised constitution elected/adopted; a new five-year economic development plan and state budget were discussed; Kim delivered a policy speech emphasizing both domestic and foreign policy changes, including a tougher line on South Korea. F
2026-05-24North Korea's Nuclear Statehood Declared
Summary: The Diplomat reports that at the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) North Korea formally redefined its statehood and foreign policy. Key outcomes include: - Permanent severance of ties with South Korea and the institutionalization of a high-tech nuclear doctrine, declaring South Korea the “out-and-out first hostile state” and the overall enemy. - Elaboration of a 2026-2030 Five-Year Plan focused on self-reliance, food sovereignty, and military readin
2026-05-24Pyongyang Recalibrates
North Korea is recalibrating its foreign policy amid growing closeness with Russia and wary balancing with the United States and Japan. Key points: - Russia-North Korea ties are strengthening: high-level visits, joint infrastructure projects (road/bridge), and a broader strategic alignment hint at a deepening, multifaceted relationship that could lessen Pyongyang’s Chinese dependence and bolster deterrence against the U.S. - Economic and military signaling: Kim Jong Un is ac
2026-05-24