The recent war in Ukraine, Russia’s overtures towards North Korea, and North Korea’s emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic all signal a sea-change for the DPRK’s place in the international system.

KEI Economic Policy Analyst Tom Ramage sat down with SOAS University of London professor and North Korea expert Hazel Smith to discuss the recent Putin-Kim summit, alleged North Korean munitions to Russia, the effect of sanctions on North Korean denuclearization, and the priorities they will all take within Washington and Seoul’s responses to increasing conflicts abroad.