February 22, 2015

Putin and the Hermit Kingdom

By Van Jackson

If the rumors are true, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in May during a commemoration of World War II in Moscow. Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora also recently confirmedthat “Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin exchange messages on a regular basis.” On the surface it seems that a revitalized Russian–North Korean alliance could be in the offing. Observing this trend, many strategists have argued that Russia’s interests in North Korea are overwhelmingly economic, including a transcontinental railroad and gas pipeline that would run through the nation. But Russia’s dalliance with North Korea also fits a geopolitical pattern reminiscent of the Cold War’s early days: Great power competition with the United States drives Russia’s North Korea strategy, and diplomatic niceties between these former communist allies disguise Russia’s true motivations.

Read the full article atForeign Affairs.

  • Podcast
    • May 30, 2023
    Ukraine's Offensive and its Meaning for the War

    Following Russia’s failed winter offensive, Ukraine appears to be preparing for its planned counter-offensive. Ryan sat down with Mike Kofman to discuss the state of Russia’s ...

    By Michael Kofman & Ryan Evans

  • Podcast
    • May 25, 2023
    Ukraine's Delayed Offensive, IVG Reproduction, Preparing for Debt Default

    Ukraine has been preparing for months to launch a counteroffensive against Russia's invasion, but the high stakes operation has seen many delays. Michael Kofman joins NPR Up F...

    By Michael Kofman

  • Congressional Testimony
    • May 16, 2023
    What Comes Next for U.S. Policy Towards Russia?

    Watch the full hearing on "What Comes Next for U.S. Policy Toward Russia", held by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.I. Introduction Chairman Menendez, Ranking Member Ris...

    By Andrea Kendall-Taylor

  • Commentary
    • Foreign Affairs
    • May 10, 2023
    Beyond Ukraine’s Offensive

    The offensive has consumed planning, but a sober-minded approach would recognize that supporting Ukraine will be a long-term effort....

    By Michael Kofman & Rob Lee

View All Reports View All Articles & Multimedia