North Korea : the struggle against American power / Tim Beal.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Beal, Tim.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Nuclear weapons--Korea (North).

Nuclear weapons.

World politics--21st century.

World politics.

Korea (North)--Politics and government.

Korea (North).

Korea (North)--Military policy.

Korea (North)--Foreign relations--United States.

United States--Foreign relations--Korea (North).

United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (352 p.)

Place of Publication:

London ; Ann Arbor, Mich. : Pluto Press, 2005.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

George W. Bush's infamous remark about the 'Axis of Evil' brought North Korea dramatically back into the international spotlight. During the late 1990's relations between North Korea and the US and its allies were on the mend. However, the election of George W. Bush resulted in renewed crisis. The nuclear accord between the two countries was torn up, dashing North Korean hopes for establishing normal diplomatic and economic relations. Though malnutrition has eased and the economy is growing, the outlook is bleak. This book cuts through the propaganda to unearth the complex and contradictory realities of this much-demonised country and its geopolitical context. The North is not a 'workers' paradise' but, like Iraq, neither is it a threat to its neighbours and the region in the way usually portrayed. Tim Beal reveals a country overburdened by military spending that sees itself under constant threat. However, he also shows that North Korea is pragmatic about negotiating with the United States. Attempts at economic reform and export expansion are shackled by US and Japanese hostility. Exploring a broad range of subjects including the historical and political framework of North Korea, the development of the nuclear crisis, human rights issues, drug trading, as well as its shifting relationship with South Korea, this is an ideal book for anyone who wants a thorough introduction to the daunting challenges faced by this country.

Contents:

Part I: Fulcrum of geography, anvil of history: DPRK in historical perspective

The roots of modern Korea: from Tangun to liberation

Years of struggle, years of hope: Korean War to first nuclear crisis

Creation of the Agreed Framework and the flowering of dätente

Crisis reignited: economic reform, regional accord, Washington discord

Part II: The pillars of confrontation

The human rights record: complexities, causes, solutions

Drugs and generals

The nuclear confrontation

On the precipice: options, positions and dangers at the start of the second Bush administration.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9786611725389

9781849641821

184964182X

9781281725387

1281725382

9781435661264

1435661265

OCLC:

649850679