Beyond Brinkmanship: Geographical Constraints and North Korea's Evolving Tactics

North Korea's behavior from the 1950s through today is part of a continuum shaped by geography and position. But it is not unique, and reflects the survival imperatives placed on Koguryo, a North Korean state stretching from the Hamgyong range past the Taedong River. While the specific tactics employed by succeeding North Korean states may differ over time, the strategic imperatives faced by each remain largely unchanged. North Korea today is undergoing another of those shifts in tactics, moving from the survival phase to the sustainability phase.