| ID | 081307 |
| Title Proper | Soviet Union's economic and political implosion |
| Other Title Information | the fate of North Korea |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Yang, Will Sung |
| Publication | 2008. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | This paper examines the outlook of North Korea's economic and political future. It argues that North Korea will most likely demise the same way as the Soviet Union. That is, an economic implosion will occur causing the political collapse of North Korea. Contrary to popular belief that North Korea will sustain itself if it reforms its economic policies, this paper argues that regardless of reform, North Korea will not be able to avoid the collapse of the state and the Kim regime for that matter. The only impact reform will have is in regards to time as it will merely delay the process of North Korea's collapse. The author wishes to stress that this assessment of North Korea's future will likely show its greater impacts after Kim Jong Il has passed. It is unlikely that North Korea or the regime will collapse under Kim Jong Il's reign because his regime still has a strong authoritative grip over his state, which he controls by being the commander of the North Korean People's Army and various paramilitary apparatuses, and by control of the media. However, the decisions that Kim Jong Il makes now will be the indirect cause of various unintended impacts in the future. |
| `In' analytical Note | North Korean Review Vol. 4, No.1; Spring 2008: p121-133 |
| Journal Source | North Korean Review Vol. 4, No.1; Spring 2008: p121-133 |
| Key Words | North Korea ; Economy ; Political Future |