Prof. Robert Kelly

North Korea: The Knowns and Unknowns Inside the Hermit Kingdom - Conference Call Series

Laura Deal Lacey, James Crabtree, Anna Fifield, Prof. Robert Kelly, Yasuhide Nakayama, Dr. John Park, Bob Kelly

A specialized panel assessed the fragility of North Korean stability following Kim Jong-un's unexplained absence, citing his deteriorating health and lack of an established successor as critical succession risks. Experts highlighted that while the regime has sealed its borders to prevent a catastrophic health crisis, its economy relies on eroding smuggling networks and a corrupt elite class that prioritizes Kim's survival amidst rising international sanctions. Geopolitically, the analysis suggests Kim is shifting toward unconventional behavior and developing new strategic weapons to maintain leverage, potentially positioning himself to capitalize on a favorable U.S. political environment while China seeks regional stability.