DPRK Workers' Party Congress begins

The event is being held for the first time in 35 years. Party gatherings of this level are aimed at personnel changes and strengthening vertical power.

Possible consequences

It is likely that Kim Jong Un can change the structure of power in North Korea, passing more authority and responsibility to a number of ministers and agencies. The congress is open to the public so that foreign journalists can see with their own eyes the adoption of decisions.

The uniqueness of the moment

The Congress is taking place at a convenient time for North Korea, which limits the possibilities of an intervention by their main opponents of North Korea - US and South Korea. As in the US, this year, Presidential elections will be held, and the Obama administration currently has limited tools to influence Pyongyang. DPRK will use this breathing space to implement their political ambitions and aspirations. Seoul is also in a state of turbulence, because their parliamentary elections were held, and the presidential ones are scheduled for next year.

Rocket launches and the nuclear program

The US is most concerned about the testing of ballistic missiles and North Korea's nuclear program. Recent tests show that Pyongyang is in the final stages of development. These technologies are not advanced and many countries already have them, but Washington is using any achievement of the DPRK to project their own political projects, including the further militarization of South Korea, which has been occupied by US troops for decades.