Published December 11, 2011 | By Jonas Vaicikonis

The flight of North Koreans into China and the existence of massive political prisoner camps attest to deep dissatisfaction among the population. Kim Jong-Il is said to be ailing, though the reports are not confirmed, and most of the party elite are of an older generation. The eventual transition of power will be an important test for the authoritarian regime. Recent tensions over the sinking of a South Korean naval vessel by a North Korean torpedo, and increased international sanctions that could follow, could further strain the economy and the regime. Kim Jong Il is expected to officially designate his son Kim Jong-Un as his successor in 2012.

Published April 26, 2011 | By Jonas Vaicikonis

North Korea threatens world security by hastening the spread of nuclear weapons and related technologies to state and non-state actors interested in acquiring nuclear weapons. The North uses two pathways to acquire banned nuclear equipment for itself and for others: through state-to-state contact and through its network of individuals engaged in illicit trade. Both pathways pose a danger to the international community, but it is increasingly North Korea’s collaborations with other states interested in nuclear weapons technology that threaten the global nonproliferation regime. North Korea’s unscrupulous history of selling narcotics, counterfeiting currency, and selling arms does not encourage optimism in its willingness to refrain from spreading nuclear weapons technology. Indeed, the examples in this paper demonstrate that North Korea’s relationships with Pakistan, Syria, and Iran have advanced the nuclear programs of all four states, despite United Nation’s sanctions.

Published February 25, 2011 | By Jonas Vaicikonis

Status of International Nonproliferation and Counterterrorism Efforts in East and Southeast Europe

Published February 25, 2011 | By Jonas Vaicikonis

Status of International Nonproliferation and Counterterrorism Efforts in the Caucasus & Central Asia

Published January 31, 2011 | By Jonas Vaicikonis

Status of International Nonproliferation and Counterterrorism Efforts in NATO Member States