Every leader wants a legacy.

Despite Moscow’s charm offensive, regional states are keeping their options open, and China remains the partner of choice.

The renewed marriage of convenience between Russia and North Korea has global implications.

With the Paris Games only weeks away, the controversy around athletes from “rogue” countries is set to intensify.

Putin and Kim wanted to send a message of strength. But the world might have heard differently.

Ever a pragmatist, the Russian leader’s calculated alignments are purely based on needs and interests.

You can’t understand a country without knowing the stories people like to invent.

Just mind not to step in the smelly message.

A demographic crisis is looming in the hermit kingdom and that has policy implications – foreign and domestic. 

Global isolation is building ties that bind. Better to engage and take away the incentive.  

Technological advancement is making nuclear disarmament goals even more difficult.

With Kim Jong-un extending an olive branch to Tokyo, high-level talks may be on the cards, but roadblocks remain.

With non-permanent member status on the UN Security Council, Seoul has a long list of goals to help make its mark.

Kim Jong-un has been on a charm offensive to rekindle trade and tourism links with friendly neighbours.

Threats, yes, because Kim Jong-un fears political contamination from the South more.

Pyongyang is matching resources to its priorities.

Kim Jong-un’s recent rhetoric reflects the status quo more than a radical departure.

Whether the DMZ or sites of historic atrocities, place carries a connection to remind us of the precariousness of life.

Circumstances have greatly changed since the “bromance” that captivated the world.

Suspending the 2018 inter-Korean military accord not only fuels mistrust but shows neither side is looking for an off-ramp.

Gushing portrayals of a revived relationship should be treated with caution.

History makes Seoul’s concern understandable – but the best way to deter surprise is through engagement.

Kim Jong-un can thank decisions taken by his grandfather decades ago for any weapons exports to Russia that may come about in the future.

Kim Jong-un sent a message in his summit with Vladimir Putin, not only about military cooperation but also regime survival.

Pyongyang might have designs to take advantage of an increasingly desperate Moscow, but power rests with Beijing.

Why would anyone choose to live in or return to a repressive hermit state? The answers are complex and include regret.

The Biden administration sees the upcoming summit as historic – China and North Korea may also, for different reasons.

With friends like these, you can stand against the pressure of enemies.

Kim Jong-un’s charm offensive with Donald Trump may have yielded few results. Not so his efforts with Xi Jinping.

Taking its lead from the hermit state’s first leader, North Korea may be heading towards totalitarian rule.

A new national security strategy stresses values-based diplomacy, but that can’t be at the expense of talking to China. 

The prospect of using nuclear weapons to coerce behaviour has limits.

Lessons from starting out a career analysing one of the most dangerous flashpoints in global politics.

Diplomacy is desperately needed to avoid an irreversible escalation in nuclear capability and the excuse to use it.

If the regime is sincere about alleviating the latest food crisis, why ban market sales of foodstuffs?

Is a compensation deal to right colonial-era wrongs part of a strategic shift towards rapprochement?

With a population cut off behind a border, Kim Jong-un sees ideology as the answer to warnings about empty plates.

Pyongyang appears to be a reluctant participant in Putin’s brutal offensive in Eastern Europe.

A resolution forces nations to show their hand. After Russia’s invasion, consistency has not been to everyone’s liking.

The high stakes on Korean Peninsula have quickly become even more acute in 2023.

“Fire and fury” had more to do with the temperament of the White House, while Pyongyang provokes with purpose.

Does the appearance of Kim Jong-un’s “beloved” middle child signal more than just succession planning?

Kim Jong-un’s daughter reveal might be about keeping a trusted finger on the nuclear button more than succession plans.

The leader’s strategy is long-term, both for the continued rule of North Korea and its nuclear ambition.

The rationale behind Pyongyang’s provocative missile launches may not be as menacing as it appears.

A minimalist approach based on arms control, risk reduction and deterrence is what’s needed right now on the Peninsula.

Escalating tensions and vicious cycles. We’ve heard this story before. That doesn’t make the situation less dangerous.

No manner of sanctions appears to dent Pyongyang’s determination to remain solitary and nuclear armed.

Regional leaders would do well to focus on engagement with Pyongyang after missile launches set a dangerous precedent.

Defence talks this week are a good sign. But a lot of history stands in the way of cooperation, even over North Korea.