
The Impossible State
North Korea is the Impossible State. Each episode, join the people who know the most about North Korea for an insiders’ discussion with host H. Andrew Schwartz and Victor Cha about one of the United States’ top national security priorities. Email your questions to ImpossibleState@csis.org.
Latest episodes

Dec 19, 2024 • 48min
South Korea's Political Crisis
In this episode, Dr. Victor Cha, Dr. Darcie Draudt-Véjares, and Mr. Bruce Klingner discuss the current political situation in South Korea. Topics will include updates on President Yoon's martial law, his impeachment, what's next for the Korean peninsula and US-ROK alliance, and more.

Nov 15, 2024 • 41min
Special Discussion with Secretary General Yongho Tae
In this episode, Mr. Sydney Seiler and Secretary General Yongho Tae discuss the latest developments in North Korea. Topics will include updates on North Korean human rights issues, South Korea's policy toward North Korea, and the current situation in North Korea.

Nov 1, 2024 • 46min
Crossing the Rubicon: North Korea Sends Troops to Russia
In this episode, Andrew Schwartz, Victor Cha, and distinguished guests discuss the Kremlin's motivations, the potential impacts on the battlefield in Ukraine, what North Korea is likely to receive in return, how Beijing may perceive this development, and more.

Oct 25, 2024 • 46min
The Spiral of Tensions: North Korea, Russia, and Ukraine
Duyeon Kim, an expert in Northeast Asia and nuclear policy, and Sydney Seiler, a former U.S. Special Envoy for the Six-Party Talks, dive deep into the intricate web of North Korea's military ties with Russia. They discuss North Korea's provocative actions, from sending troops to blow up inter-Korean roads, and analyze the broader implications for regional stability and U.S.-South Korean relations. The conversation also touches on Kim Jong-un's confidence in aggressive tactics, drawing parallels with current global tensions.

Sep 26, 2024 • 30min
The Black Box
In this episode, Andrew Schwartz and Victor Cha discuss Dr. Victor Cha's new book, The Black Box: Demystifying the Study of Korean Unification and North Korea.

Aug 19, 2024 • 49min
Recent Developments in North Korea
Dr. Cha, an expert on North Korean affairs, and Mr. Bruce Klingner, a specialist in military and political strategies, dive into pressing issues regarding North Korea. They explore the complexities of missile deployments and the dynamics of Kim Jong-un's potential succession involving his daughter. Unconventional tactics like balloon launches are highlighted, alongside concerns about arms shipments to Russia. They also examine North Korea's submarine capabilities and the implications for U.S.-North Korea relations amidst shifting political landscapes.

Jul 1, 2024 • 46min
A Threat Like No Other - The Russia-North Korea Alliance
In this episode, Dr. Cha and distinguished speakers discuss the significance of the Putin-Kim summit, the strengthening Russia-North Korea alliance, the implications of this alliance for regional and global security and why the Russia-North Korea alliance is a threat like no other.

Jun 21, 2024 • 17min
Putin’s Play in NK: The Truth of the Matter Crossover Episode
Dr. Victor Cha discusses Putin's visit to Pyongyang and the Mutual Defense Treaty between Russia and North Korea, posing a significant threat to US national security. The podcast explores the implications for the US, its allies, and China, as well as the strategic moves in East Asia and Southeast Asia in response to recent developments.

Jun 14, 2024 • 35min
Special Discussion with Ambassador Philip Goldberg
Ambassador Philip Goldberg discusses the U.S.-ROK alliance, North Korea's provocations, and regional developments. Topics include embassy sizes, challenges in Asia-Pacific, and recent events in North Korea like missile launches and ties with Russia.

May 2, 2024 • 43min
Breaking Bad: South Korea's Nuclear Option
This bonus episode is from Breaking Bad: South Korea's Nuclear Option Report Rollout Event on April 29, 2024. Dr. Victor Cha, Senior Vice President for Asia and Korea Chair, conducted the first U.S. multi-question polling of strategic elites in South Korea on the nuclear question. The new findings of this study “Breaking Bad: South Korea's Nuclear Option” have significant policy implications and the author provides several recommendations for the United States.