Russian Scholar of North Korea Says He Was Detained and Expelled From Latvia - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Prominent Russian scholar Andrei Lankov, known for his expertise on North Korea, was detained in Latvia during a lecture and subsequently expelled after being declared persona non grata. The incident occurred when police arrived at the venue of his presentation in Riga, informing him he was banned from entering Latvia without providing specific reasons. Lankov, who holds Russian and Australian citizenship, believes his expulsion may stem from his "excessively objective" views on North Korea, which sometimes include positive commentary.
Lankov, a historian based in Seoul and a professor at Kookmin University, teaches and contributes to NK News. He was able to leave Latvia safely and travel to Estonia, where he plans to continue his lecture series. His expulsion raises questions about the motivations behind Latvia's decision, potentially linked to his critical yet balanced analysis of North Korea.
Lankov's case highlights broader concerns about academic freedom and the potential suppression of independent voices in international relations. As a scholar with deep expertise on North Korea, his treatment underscores the challenges faced by researchers and journalists operating in sensitive geopolitical environments. This incident also prompts reflection on how differing political stances can impact personal freedoms and professional opportunities.
The situation is particularly notable given Latvia's position as a Baltic state with close ties to Western institutions. The decision to expel Lankov could strain relations between Russia, Latvia, and other countries, especially considering Lankov's dual citizenship and academic contributions. His expulsion may also set a precedent for how other nations handle individuals whose views challenge dominant narratives or political agendas.
For readers interested in global affairs, this story offers insight into the complexities of international diplomacy, freedom of speech, and the potential consequences of voicing perspectives that differ from official narratives. It raises important questions about academic independence and the role of scholars in shaping public understanding of contentious regions like North Korea.
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 2/25/2026