| Synopsis: |
This overview of the politics, economics and history of North Korea (DPRK) focuses on the economic situation since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the history of Pyongyang's relations with America. It explains how the North Korean economy has moved from parity with, and even superiority over, South Korea until the mid-1970s into a downward spiral of industrial decline and severe famine. Paul French argues that the country's collapse has been due to its rigid adherence to central planning, international isolation, Military-First line and the inflexible political philosophy of Juche. He deals with the long troubled relationship between Pyongyang and Washington and the continued division of the Korean peninsula. He considers the likely scenarios for the future of the DPRK, the history and possible ramifications of a reunited Korea, the guiding personalities of the country and the recent diplomatic initiatives, economic reforms and nuclear crisis. |