Satellite images of the NK-China border indicate that trade between the two countries is gradually recovering to pre-pandemic levels. However, this restoration of trade was upended when unusually heavy rains struck the area in late... READ MORE

Imagery analysis between February and July 2024 shows a new railcar traffic pattern at the Russia-North Korea border. READ MORE

Despite the goal of advancing denuclearization of the Korean peninsula through leader-to-leader exchanges in 2018 and 2019, thermal infrared (TIR) imagery of the Yongbyon Nuclear Research Center around the summit dates reveals limited impact on... READ MORE

The CSIS Beyond Parallel created an interactive map of North Korea's garbage-filled balloons that crossed over into South Korea in 2024. READ MORE

Since late May, North Korea has launched thousands of balloons into South Korea filled with trash, marking the return of... READ MORE

This second part of the missile operating bases update covers developments at Sakkanmol, Sangnam-ni, Sino-ri, and Yusang-ni Missile Operating Bases over the past several years. READ MORE

Ammunition supplies have become critical in the Ukraine war. CSIS studied hundreds of commercially available satellite images since August 2023 on the continuing transfer of large quantities of munitions between North Korea and Russia. READ MORE

North Korea is the Impossible State. Each week join the people who know the most about North Korea—The Center for... READ MORE

Key Findings The White House’s acknowledgement this week of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s possible trip later this month to... READ MORE

The CSIS Beyond Parallel team compiled an original database of all North Korean provocations since the Korean War in 1953, beginning with the first provocation documented in 1958. There has been more than 280 instances... READ MORE

Part 3 of this series builds upon the methodology and findings presented in Part 1, offering a deeper dive into the operational nuances of the Radiochemistry Lab and the centrifuge plant. READ MORE

CSIS Beyond Parallel team created an interactive map documenting possible North Korean munition routes to Russia by rail. There is active expansion of infrastructure at Tikhoretsk Munitions Storage Facility, Mozdok Munitions Storage Facility, and Yegorlykskaya... READ MORE

The war in Ukraine has precipitated a renewed relationship between Russia and North Korea. Driven by Russia's need for ammunition... READ MORE

The growth of markets and gradual changes in the economy are some the most significant developments to occur in North Korea over the last 20 years. An understanding of these fundamental changes is critical for... READ MORE

Part 2 of this series builds upon the methodology and findings presented in Part 1, offering a deeper dive into the operational nuances of the 5MWe Reactor and the Experimental Light Water Reactor. READ MORE

Analysis of recent commercially available satellite imagery of the Russia–North Korea railroad crossing suggests significantly increased energy and economic trade as Pyongyang seeks to tighten ties with Moscow. READ MORE

TIR (TIR) analysis via LANDSAT 8 and 9 imagery over two years provides key insights into Yongbyon nuclear facilities' operations, highlighting the intricate strengths and limitations of thermal imagery for operational assessment. READ MORE

In an exceptional surge of activity during the past five weeks, North Korea has undertaken moves at Sinpo of the Hero Kim Kun Ok ballistic missile submarine (SSB), the 8.24 Yongung experiment ballistic missile submarine... READ MORE

Satellite imagery shows that North Korea has undertaken numerous small and some significant changes at most of its ballistic missile operating bases over the past five years. READ MORE

A recent failed launch attempt of another reconnaissance satellite by North Korea is a clear demonstration of the political importance assigned to launches by Kim Jong-un and his desire to meet the goal of launching... READ MORE

Satellite imagery indicates that North Korea conducted an unannounced test of a liquid propellant rocket engine from the Yunsong vertical engine test facility during the fourth week of April 2024. Earlier in the month, several... READ MORE

North Korea has reportedly been preparing to launch its second reconnaissance satellite. Recent satellite imagery suggests that a launch was planned but canceled for unknown reasons. READ MORE

Recent satellite imagery reveals ongoing high-level utilization of Russia's Tikhoretsk Munitions Storage Facility, where munitions from North Korea are being stored. READ MORE

Recent satellite image of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility indicates that North Korea continues to be committed to maintaining the general health of the facility. READ MORE

A study of publicly available statements made by Donald Trump on the utility of alliances and U.S. troop commitments abroad to test the proposition that the President has a transactional view of alliances as opposed... READ MORE

The first open-source analysis of declassified satellite imagery suggests that the construction of North Korea's Punggye-ri Nuclear Testing Facility started as early as 1985 to 1986. READ MORE

Satellite image of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility acquired on January 16, 2024, shows activity which indicates continued commitment for maintenance of the construction achieved in 2023. READ MORE

Satellite images of Najin Port over the past two months show a high level of activity, suggesting that arms transfer between DPRK and Russia continue. READ MORE

Recent satellite images of Sinpo South Shipyard and Mayang-do Submarine Base suggest preparations for an important event. READ MORE

Latest satellite imagery of Najin Port indicates that at least six trips transporting munitions have been made by sea between North Korea and Russia. READ MORE

North Korea launched a new ballistic missile submarine, the Hero Kim Kun Ok, at the Sinpo South Shipyard. Satellite imagery analysis before, during, and after the launch details the unveiled and much-anticipated submarine and changes... READ MORE

Russia's multi-warhead intercontinental ballistic missile Topol-M (SS-27 Mod 2) and North Korea's recently test-fired "Hwasong-18" (right). (Russia MoD and KCNA)... READ MORE

Recent satellite imagery of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility shows minor activity at the main administration area and no new activity at the tunnels. However, preparations at Tunnel No. 3 are considered to have long... READ MORE

Dramatic and ongoing construction progress continues throughout the eastern and central sections of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, including new construction near the horizontal engine test stand. READ MORE

Latest commercial satellite images of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station show construction has entered a new phase, including the addition of a new horizontal engine test stand, further expanding the facility's future capabilities. READ MORE

Since 2016, CSIS has partnered with an organization that has a successful track record of conducting discrete and careful surveys... READ MORE

LANDSAT 7 and LANDSAT 8 thermal infrared satellite imagery in January and February show that warm water is being discharged from the 5MWe reactor at Yongbyon, confirming that the reactor and its cooling system are... READ MORE

Over 16 months after its shutdown of the border with China to prevent COVID transmission, North Korea has seen delays in its efforts to re-open commerce with its primary trade partner. The conversion of Uiju... READ MORE

Although significant political barriers remain to reconnecting the Korean peninsula, there is merit in substantive study of the types of energy infrastructure connections that would best promote regional growth and stability. The cases examined in... READ MORE