Publication

This background report examines what is known about the North Korean nuclear and missile programs. The report argues that since North Korea's comparative advantage in conventional forces has been declining since the end of the Cold War, it has a strong incentive to retain and expand its asymmetric capabilities. The report concludes that the North's nuclear and missile arsenal is already of worrying size and includes nuclear weapons and explosive devices. The key worry, the report states, is the regime's ability and willingness to sell these to third parties.