Research Centers / Korea Center
Korea Center
Dedicated analysis of the Korean Peninsula — the North's strategic behaviour, the South's evolving posture, and the Peninsula's centrality to great power competition in Northeast Asia.
The Korea Center provides rigorous, independent analysis of one of the world's most volatile strategic environments. We examine North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes, inter-Korean dynamics, and South Korea's defence transformation — and situate them within the broader contest between the United States, China, and Russia for influence across Northeast Asia.
The Korean Peninsula is not a regional sideshow — it is a fulcrum of great power competition, extended deterrence credibility, and alliance cohesion. The Center equips decision-makers with the depth of understanding that this environment demands.
Focus Areas
What the center researches
North Korean Nuclear & Missile Strategy
Tracking the development, doctrine, and strategic logic of North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes — and the deterrence, compellence, and regime survival calculations that drive them.
Inter-Korean Relations & Peninsula Dynamics
Examining the political, military, and economic dimensions of the inter-Korean relationship — periods of engagement and confrontation, the role of domestic politics in both capitals, and prospects for stability.
South Korea's Defence & Strategic Posture
Analysing South Korea's defence modernisation, autonomous defence ambitions, evolving nuclear debate, and the strategic choices Seoul faces as it navigates alliance commitments and great power competition.
The US-ROK Alliance & Extended Deterrence
Examining the credibility and sufficiency of US extended deterrence guarantees for South Korea — alliance burden-sharing, force posture, nuclear consultation mechanisms, and the pressures testing alliance cohesion.
Great Power Competition & the Peninsula
Situating the Korean Peninsula within the broader US-China-Russia strategic contest — China's role as North Korea's patron, Russia's deepening ties with Pyongyang, and the implications for regional order.
Escalation Scenarios & Crisis Management
Applying structured analytic techniques to model escalation pathways, crisis triggers, and decision points on the Peninsula — identifying the conditions under which miscalculation becomes most dangerous.
Research Output
Publications and policy briefs
The Korea Center produces strategic assessments, crisis analysis, and policy briefs on Korean Peninsula security, North Korean strategy, and Northeast Asian stability. Research outputs are available on request to partners, collaborators, and engaged institutions.
Request Research & PublicationsFrom analysis to education
The center shapes how IPSC teaches technology and security.
Research from the Cyber, Emerging Technology & Security Center informs IPSC's Geopolitical Risk Analysis Program, the Emerging Leaders Forum, and executive education offerings on technology competition, cyber security, and the future of strategic rivalry in the Indo‑Pacific.
Collaborate with IPSC
Work with the Korea Center
We welcome collaboration with researchers, policy practitioners, and institutional partners working on Korean Peninsula security, North Korean strategic behaviour, and Northeast Asian regional dynamics.