Andrei Lankov

Lankov makes the compelling argument that, rather than the group of lunatics they are often perceived to be, the governing elites of North Korea are actually quite strategic and calculating in terms of how they govern, how they present themselves to world and to their people, etc. They have to show a united face to their people and to the world, or else their regime would collapse under the weight of its own absurdity and inability to be self-sufficient. Lankov argues that occasionally flare-ups between North and South Korea are, at the North's instigation, a way to ensure that the world continues to pay attention, so that it continues to receive humanitarian aid, money, etc. The world at large likewise has a grudging interest in the North Korean elites retaining power because of its nuclear capability.

Lankov believes reunification with the South is, ultimately, almost inevitable, though when it will occur he is unable to say. The regime of Kim Jong Un is already perceived to have a looser grip on public access to information about the outside world, and so the reunification may come sooner rather than later. In any case, it will be a long and painful process for the South to reabsorb the North due to 60-odd years of constant political tension and the standard of living disparity between the two.

A truly fascinating book that is occasionally a bit repetitive. Lankov also, perhaps due to a dearth of sources, does not spend a great deal time talking about day to day life for the average North Korean -- he feels on surer ground discussing geopolitical maneuvering, which he handles deftly and with a clarity that belies the fact that his first language is Russian and not English.… (mehr)