Gabriela Bernal

Biography
Publications

Dr Gabriela Bernal is a North Korea analyst based in Seoul, South Korea, with a PhD from the University of North Korean Studies. Her writing and analyses have appeared in Nikkei Asia, Chatham House, Korea Herald, BBC, NK News, Asia Times, East Asia Forum, and more. 

Seoul’s new leader faces an uphill battle on inter-Korean relations
Seoul’s new leader faces an uphill battle on inter-Korean relations
The new president will need to balance Washington, Pyongyang and Moscow for any hope of peace on the Peninsula.
US troops in Korea may soon switch focus from Pyongyang to Beijing
US troops in Korea may soon switch focus from Pyongyang to Beijing
Could America’s security rejig inadvertently strengthen an alliance between North Korea, China and Russia?
How far can Canberra and Seoul’s partnership stretch?
How far can Canberra and Seoul’s partnership stretch?
For all the talk of alignment, Australia has no influence with North Korea, and South Korea has different interests with China.
Command and sovereignty: Who controls South Korea’s military in wartime?
Command and sovereignty: Who controls South Korea’s military in wartime?
Known as “OPCON”, the transfer of operational leadership has long posed a dilemma that has only deepened with Donald Trump’s presidency.
Pyongyang–Moscow ties will outlive the Ukraine conflict
Pyongyang–Moscow ties will outlive the Ukraine conflict
The relationship between Russia and North Korea will be impacted by Washington's stance on Ukraine, but the long-term alliance will remain strong.
How US funding cuts could exacerbate North Korea’s humanitarian crisis
How US funding cuts could exacerbate North Korea’s humanitarian crisis
Trump’s obsession with getting the deal and an interest in resuming talks with Kim Jong Un all spell trouble for human rights.
Curaçao: The island comfortable not quite independent
Curaçao: The island comfortable not quite independent
A multicultural melting pot, the former capital of the Netherlands Antilles still makes its own way.
Korean turmoil: What the North thinks looking South
Korean turmoil: What the North thinks looking South
A “main enemy” suffering disarray at home and ridicule from abroad, Pyongyang might suddenly warm to Yoon Suk-yeol…
Why getting Pyongyang back to the negotiating table will be harder in Trump’s second term
Why getting Pyongyang back to the negotiating table will be harder in Trump’s second term
The North Korea of 2025 is in a vastly different position to where it found itself in 2017.
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