Welcome to the first episode of The Security Affair, the flagship podcast from the Centre for International Security and Economic Strategy (CISES), exploring the ideas, events, and decisions shaping global security and diplomacy.

Hosted by Alexander Anderson, Director of Policy at CISES, this episode challenges the familiar “hermit kingdom” image of North Korea. Alexander speaks with Fleur Boehm, Policy Analyst at CISES, about Pyongyang’s overlooked diplomatic partnerships in South and Southeast Asia, how it uses diplomacy to gain international influence, and why media and academic narratives often misrepresent its role.

Part 1 sets the stage for next week’s continuation, which will explore North Korea’s regional strategy, nuclear diplomacy, and the prospects for engagement with South Korea, Japan, and the broader international community.