Economic Policy

Red Box, Blue Box, Green Box: Arguing against Institutional Pluralism

By | February 08, 2013

Christopher Green examines the durability, and the deficiencies, of the “post-totalitarian” thesis for the DPRK, and furthers the quest for a developmental understanding of North Korea.

From Doha to Pyongyang: DPRK Progress and Development within the UNFCCC Framework

By | January 13, 2013

Robert Winstanley-Chesters wonders how much money the DPRK can make from carbon credits, and concludes that the answer is “not much.” At least, not yet.

Hubs for Radical Change? North Korea’s SEZs under Kim Jong-un

By | January 11, 2013

How can we measure if the North Korean economy is undergoing reform? Watch the country’s six Special Economic Zones, via Sabine van Ameijden’s overview of SEZ change and stagnation.

Ri Sol-ju, Conspicuous Wealth, and the “Military Wife” Type in the DPRK

By | December 12, 2012

SinoNK’s analyst for gender issues, Darcie Draudt, takes a look at Ri Sol-ju as part of a class of women who are doing increasingly well, thanks to their connections. Is such upward mobility to be emulated or despised?

Barriers to Entry: Cellular Telephony in the Digital DPRK

By | November 25, 2012

Daily NK international editor Christopher Green analyzes the multiple logistical barriers for a North Korean who wants a cell phone.