Strat. Assessment: North Korea

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

North Korea poses one of the top challenges to security and stability in the world today, yet as a secretive “hard target” closed to most outsiders and shrouded in falsehoods, it is well understood by only a select few. This course will prepare students to conduct strategic analysis on the complex and difficult national security challenges posed by North Korea. The course will provide a foundation in the key elements of the strategic context and modern history of North Korea, including why North Korea truly matters for the U.S. and the world. Students will learn about the key developments and trends in Kim Jong Un’s rapidly-changing North Korea, in areas including its leadership decision-making, military capabilities, domestic dynamics, and international relationships. Students will also learn and practice techniques and frameworks that will help them identify and sort through rumor, myth, biases, and propaganda to make cogent, fact-based judgments and forecasts about North Korea--even with only unclassified sources. At the conclusion of the course and its practical exercises, students will be better prepared to provide knowledgeable, credible and impactful strategic assessments and recommendations on North Korea issues.