North Korea is expanding its army and nuclear arsenal, strengthening its military capabilities with the help of Russia, hacking for foreign income, and information warfare. It is defying international sanctions and focusing on nuclear weapons over conventional military upgrades.
Key Points
North Korea boasts the world's fourth-largest military with nearly 1.3 million troops
Plans to build 150 more nuclear warheads by 2027
Increased military capabilities through a new mutual defence treaty with Russia
Sourcing foreign income through hacking and forced labor to bypass sanctions
Engaging in information warfare against enemies and its population
Pros
Strengthening military capabilities
Creating a deterrent against the US
Cons
Defying international sanctions
Focusing on nuclear weapons over conventional upgrades