Publisher's Synopsis
'A valuable resource for those who would like to understand this reclusive society. The work is comprehensive, well-researched, and reliable in its presentation of the key facts. It also brings the story up to date, thus standing by itself in terms of a sweeping analysis of all facets of the DPRK.' Robert A. Scalapino, Institute of East Asian Studies, University of California, Berkeley 'The scholarship is outstanding. There is no book like this on the market - nor is there likely to be. This book will make a place for itself on the shelf of indispensable reading about North Korea. Adrian Buzo has produced a study that specialists will need to read now, and that students will be reading for years to come.' Nicholas Eberstadt, American Enterprise Institute, Washington The Democratic People's Republic of Korea continues to attract world attention and to generate regional and international tension through its ongoing confrontation with South Korea, its nuclear weapons program, and the collapse of its economy.;It continues to confound observers by its obdurate refusal to follow the examples of China and Vietnam in reforming core state policies, despite severe economic and diplomatic setbacks. How did this situation come about? The Guerilla Dynasty presents an accessible and up-to-date account of North Korea's political, economic and foreign policy since its foundation, with particular emphasis on the period 1980-97. While day-to-day commentary and media coverage tend to highlight North Korea's reputation for bizarre and highly dangerous behaviour, and to emphasise that its internal and external policies are dysfunctional and counterproductive, The Guerilla Dynasty demonstrates that major North Korean state policies have been highly consistent over an extended period of time. Here is a revealing portrait of one of the most enigmatic societies in today's world, and one which continues to have a major impact on international politics.
