Under constructing since 2010, North Korea appears to have finally begun operating a new reactor at Yongbyon that could be a significant source of plutonium for its nuclear weapons program — but many of questions remain. North Korea’s Experimental Light-Water Reactor (ELWR) is Possibly Operating Jeffrey Lewis and David Schmerler North Korea’s Experimental Light-Water Reactor …
North Korea’s New Satellite
by | 2023-11-27 | No Comments
North Korea finally got a reconnaissance satellite into orbit, after several failed prior attempts! While it is a little rough around the edges, every program has to start somewhere. Jeffrey and Aaron talk through the implications of the DPRK’s reconnaissance satellite, the relationship of the DPRK missile and space programs, and the importance of high …
The Reason We’re all Still Here
by | 2023-10-14 | No Comments
Take a listen to the latest season of Jeffrey Lewis’s podcast, The Reason We’re All Still Here Far too often, governments behave like toddlers. They’re fickle. They don’t like to share. And good luck getting them to pay attention to any problem that isn’t directly in front of them. They like to push each other to …
Shenanigans in Novaya Zemlya
by | 2023-10-11 | No Comments
Looks like everyone is preparing for a party. Between Russia’s potential un-signing of a nuclear test treaty, threats to test “if the United States does,” and refurbishments at Novaya Zemlya, things aren’t looking great for the longevity of nuclear test ban norms. China and the U.S. have been modernizing too, though the U.S. has offered …
