Journal Article - Asian Security
Spies, Diplomats and Deceit: Exploring the Persistent Role of Diplomatic Missions in North Korea’s WMD Proliferation and Arms Trafficking Networks
North Korea frequently uses diplomatic missions, diplomats and intelligence officers in its Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) proliferation and arms trafficking networks. The paper places the use of these assets in historical context, provides a basic typology of their role, and considers why they have featured in North Korea’s networks. The paper identifies a number of trends surrounding the use of North Korean missions – including the types and locations of missions featuring in specific types of proliferation and arms dealing activities, the prominence of larger missions and use of third country and regional hubs. It argues that the persistence of these assets in the DPRK’s networks is largely a result of convenience and diplomatic immunity. The paper concludes by recommending further action to counter these assets while arguing that the phenomenon will continue to be a challenging feature of North Korea’s proliferation and arms trading activities.
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via Asian Security.
For more information on this publication:
Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:
Salisbury, Daniel . “Spies, Diplomats and Deceit: Exploring the Persistent Role of Diplomatic Missions in North Korea’s WMD Proliferation and Arms Trafficking Networks.” Asian Security, (July 5, 2021) .
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Journal Article
- The RUSI Journal
Security Under Strain? Protecting Nuclear Materials During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Journal Article
- Intelligence and National Security
Arming Iran from the heart of Westminster? The Iranian military procurement offices, rumours and intelligence, 1981–1987
Book
- Routledge
Secrecy, Public Relations and the British Nuclear Debate
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Paper
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Attacking Artificial Intelligence: AI’s Security Vulnerability and What Policymakers Can Do About It
Analysis & Opinions
US-China Relations: An Interview with Graham Allison
Analysis & Opinions
- Slate
Big Tech Isn't Prepared for A.I.'s Next Chapter
North Korea frequently uses diplomatic missions, diplomats and intelligence officers in its Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) proliferation and arms trafficking networks. The paper places the use of these assets in historical context, provides a basic typology of their role, and considers why they have featured in North Korea’s networks. The paper identifies a number of trends surrounding the use of North Korean missions – including the types and locations of missions featuring in specific types of proliferation and arms dealing activities, the prominence of larger missions and use of third country and regional hubs. It argues that the persistence of these assets in the DPRK’s networks is largely a result of convenience and diplomatic immunity. The paper concludes by recommending further action to counter these assets while arguing that the phenomenon will continue to be a challenging feature of North Korea’s proliferation and arms trading activities.
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via Asian Security.- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Journal Article - The RUSI Journal
Security Under Strain? Protecting Nuclear Materials During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Journal Article - Intelligence and National Security
Arming Iran from the heart of Westminster? The Iranian military procurement offices, rumours and intelligence, 1981–1987
Book - Routledge
Secrecy, Public Relations and the British Nuclear Debate
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Paper - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Attacking Artificial Intelligence: AI’s Security Vulnerability and What Policymakers Can Do About It
Analysis & Opinions
US-China Relations: An Interview with Graham Allison
Analysis & Opinions - Slate
Big Tech Isn't Prepared for A.I.'s Next Chapter