Welcome back to 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 continues our discussion on North Korea’s foreign policy with Fleur Boehm, Policy Analyst at CISES. Part 2 examines how shifting geopolitical dynamics — from the Russia–Ukraine war to changing U.S. and Japanese policy — shape the prospects for inter-Korean engagement and North Korea’s diplomatic strategy.

Alexander and Fleur explore whether détente is possible under the current U.S. administration, how Washington influences Pyongyang’s regional relationships, and why recognising North Korea as an active diplomatic actor matters for policymakers. Fleur also reflects on what Seoul and Tokyo should consider when engaging with North Korea and shares key takeaways and recommended readings for listeners.

This episode concludes our two-part series on North Korea’s diplomacy.

Next Friday, we’ll turn to the role of information in modern warfare and contemporary societies.