North Korea at a Crossroads [Paperback]

Suk H. Kim (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 31, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0786417412 | ISBN-13: 978-0786417414

Some fifty years after war, the Korean peninsula remains divided at the 38th parallel. The end of the Cold War in 1989 brought changes to many communist states, but North Korea remains embroiled in international crises. Looking forward, North Korea seemingly faces four choices: collapse, further war, peaceful reunification with the south, or status quo.

This historical and political analysis covers the period from the division of the peninsula in 1948 to the future of North Korea beyond 2003. Topics include the Korean War, Kim Il Sung, famine, the economic collapse of the 1990s, Kim Jong Il, South Korea’s sunshine policy, nuclear ambitions, "rogue state" status, George W. Bush’s "axis of evil" remark made during his 2002 State of the Union address, and the current state of diplomatic relations. The final chapter considers the case for reconciliation. Appendix A is a chronology of the Korean Peninsula from 2333 BCE to 2003 CE. Appendix B is a directory of Korean Studies institutes and think tanks. Tables and statistics are integrated throughout the text. Reader aids accompany each chapter, including lists of further reading, key terms and questions.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

International business expert Suk Hi Kim is a professor of international finance at the University of Detroit Mercy, and has also taught Korean culture and history. The author of numerous textbooks and journal articles, he lives in Plymouth, Michigan.

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub (July 31, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786417412
• ISBN-13: 978-0786417414
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,898,285 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Comprehensive Analysis of the North Korean Crisis, August 20, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: North Korea at a Crossroads (Paperback)

This book presents a very comprehensive analysis of the North Korean crisis. It is easy to read and presents a wholesome picture of North Korea by examining the historical events that have divided North and South. It also promotes a progressive solution to end the conflicts in the Korean Peninsula.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars North Korea seemingly faces four choices, May 15, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: North Korea at a Crossroads (Paperback)

Fifty years after Korea's division the Koreans of both North and South remain at an impasse, leaving North Korea embroiled in international crises. North Korea seemingly faces four choices: collapse, more war, a continuing status quo, or peace with the south. Suk Hi Kim's North Korea At A Crossroads provides an historical and political analysis covers 1948 to modern times and is a 'must' for any college-level collection strong in modern Asian issues or non-specialist general reader wanting a competent backgrounding in contemporary American/North Korean international relations.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough, easy-to-read, and compelling., September 28, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: North Korea at a Crossroads (Paperback)

With this concise and easy-to-read book, you can actually obtain a rather thorough overview of North Korea's history, current situation, and its future outlook. Many people, unfortunately, simply look upon North Korea as an 'evil' country. This book will help you to better understand, and to be more sympathetic towards, North Korea's plight. A must-read for anyone who wishes to begin to understand the North Korean situation.