Asia

This paper examines how Beijing views economic security as well as other countries’ actions in this realm. Economic security is not a new or foreign concept to Chinese thinkers and…

This paper argues that while North Korea does not discuss “economic security” in domestic contexts or have an established definition of the term, it thoroughly understands that the economy and…

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (hereinafter DPRK or North Korea) has been pursuing technological development in a very different way from the standard path of global technology growth due…

This episode, Korean Kontext speaks to Phillipe Cousteau JR, chief spokesperson for the USA Pavillion at the 2012 Yeosu Exposition.  With the overall theme of the expo named “The Living…

Our latest edition of Korean Kontext focuses on the recent death of Kim Jong-il and the prospects for North Korea under the stewardship of his son, Kim Jong-un.  In this…

Ever wondered why someone might be motivated to spend their summer vacation  in the DPRK, or interested to learn about the guides that accompany visitors during a stay in North…

In this episode, Chad 0Carroll speaks with “TK” (”The Korean”), the man behind the must-read blog, “Ask a Korean”.  TK has been running his blog for five years and it…

By Troy Stangarone Shortly after the United States and South Korea began discussions on the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in response to North Korea’s fourth nuclear test, China’s Ambassador to South Korea, Qiu Guohong, suggested that the deployment of THAAD could “destroy” relations between South Korea and China. Now,…

By Hwan Kang The word “Smart Grid” became popularized when the energy industry thought applying sensors and having comprehensive control over the whole cycle of generating and consuming electricity was a good idea. Some people thought it would be even better if they could do the same with water, coining the term, “Smart Water Grid…

By William Brown China’s trade with North Korea contracted sharply in September from relatively high August levels, and continues an erratic if unmistakable decline since tighter UN sanctions were agreed upon a year ago, at least according to China’s customs bureau.  Since the strongest sanctions were set to begin only on September 5th, October data,…

By Mark Tokola Put yourself in Kim Jong-un’s shoes.  The United States is increasing pressure on your regime through sanctions and diplomatic moves but you’re not ready to engage with the U.S. because you haven’t finished your missile and nuclear weapons testing and development.  Relations with your traditional ally, China, are awful because Beijing also…