An international think tank says a division in the North Korean power structure is possible.

In a report titled "North Korea under Tightening Sanctions," the International Crisis Group says that "despite the loyalty of elites in the party and the military, a sudden split in the leadership, although unlikely, is not out of the question."

The group says that "signs of any fissures would not be observable from the outside until a power struggle, coup d’état, collapse or similar crisis was already unfolding."

It also says North Korea has been shaken by constricting international sanctions, extremely poor policy choices and several internal challenges.

Desperate for cash to fund its political machine, the group says the North could pursue increased proliferation activities.