North Korea appears unlikely to deliberately escalate tensions in the coming year as the regime will prioritize domestic development. However, its nuclear policy, burgeoning relations with Russia, and evolving geopolitical factors will increase the risks of North Korea becoming a flash point in the medium to long term.

China is using “cultural development” to shape “an ideologically and psychologically friendly environment in North Korea.”

As Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko deepens his country’s dependence on Russia, dissidents fight alongside Ukraine in the Kalinouski Regiment.

North Korea and Belarus have held economic talks in Pyongyang as the North has expected "vibrant" bilateral cooperation and exchanges, state media reported Thursday.

Kim Jong-un seized on Russia’s need for support in its war against Ukraine. His reward is a rapidly modernizing military that threatens the delicate balance of power on the Korean Peninsula.