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North Korea: The Struggle Against American Power
George W. Bush's infamous remark about the 'Axis of Evil' brought North Korea dramatically back into the international spotlight. During the late 1990s 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.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 20, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 23, 2019
Read, read, read.
Question the vile Western propaganda on brave North Korea.
Amaze yourself with the facts you never heard about North Korea and South Korea.
Amaze yourself with the depth of ignorance and misconceptions you have on North and South Korea.
By the way, this author is absolutely unbiased!
Question the vile Western propaganda on brave North Korea.
Amaze yourself with the facts you never heard about North Korea and South Korea.
Amaze yourself with the depth of ignorance and misconceptions you have on North and South Korea.
By the way, this author is absolutely unbiased!
February 3, 2015
Useful, balanced, detailed look into Korean politics, in particular the confrontation between the DPRK and the US.
October 22, 2023
Beal is more left than Cumings, but this book is much more technical in nature, in that it reads much more like a military/foreign policy analysis book rather than a one about the DPRK as a country. As it was written in 20005, the focus is primarily on the DPRK's nuclear policy as well as American foreign policy after 9/11, particularly its blunders during the Iraq War and the fall out resulting from it onto its policy with the DPRK.
Because of this, the book does feel somewhat dated, as many sections now have become irrelevant (much of the book is speculative, as it was written prior to the DPRK's first successful nuclear missile test in 2006) as the situation is much more dynamic, especially now with America's recent warmongering with China and Russia, drawing us to either a new Cold or World War. Still, there are some interesting insights to be gleaned, recaps of the tension between the DPRK/ROK for the first half century after the war, which give more color to those who want to know as much as possible about the conflict from a more North Korea friendly side with data and charts and other sorts of information in the Appendices.
Because of this, the book does feel somewhat dated, as many sections now have become irrelevant (much of the book is speculative, as it was written prior to the DPRK's first successful nuclear missile test in 2006) as the situation is much more dynamic, especially now with America's recent warmongering with China and Russia, drawing us to either a new Cold or World War. Still, there are some interesting insights to be gleaned, recaps of the tension between the DPRK/ROK for the first half century after the war, which give more color to those who want to know as much as possible about the conflict from a more North Korea friendly side with data and charts and other sorts of information in the Appendices.
July 18, 2018
Unbelievable,
literally unbelievable
Ridiculous apologist claptrap
This book is utterly unreliable, the whole thing feels like a ridiculously pro-Pyongyang perspective, but it borders on lunacy at times
Its definitely not history
literally unbelievable
Ridiculous apologist claptrap
This book is utterly unreliable, the whole thing feels like a ridiculously pro-Pyongyang perspective, but it borders on lunacy at times
Its definitely not history
April 23, 2023
Tim Beal, an Academic from New Zealand, gives a decent overview of the Nuclear Dispute with North Korea, starting with an overview of the history of Korea, to the division of Korea, and the standoff with the US which lasts to this day.
The book tails off at the beginning of the second term of George W Bush, but is as entirely relevant for today's readership as the situation remains in an impasse, a kind of frozen Cold War, no pun intended.
The strengths of Beal's account lie in its comprehensive nature, covering a broader picture including Human Rights and allegations of drug trafficking. Additionally, the work is an entirely readable academic piece of work, hence it reads as well as a popular non-fiction book, whilst writing in a respectable, objective way. This makes a welcome change from most literature on North Korea, which is often very sensationalist in nature.
The only snag with the work is the age, published in early 2005. However, it is key for understanding how the US and North Korea reached this impasse, as very little has changed since.
Overall, an academic and highly objective account, much better than the sensationalist writing that dominates the North Korea landscape.
The book tails off at the beginning of the second term of George W Bush, but is as entirely relevant for today's readership as the situation remains in an impasse, a kind of frozen Cold War, no pun intended.
The strengths of Beal's account lie in its comprehensive nature, covering a broader picture including Human Rights and allegations of drug trafficking. Additionally, the work is an entirely readable academic piece of work, hence it reads as well as a popular non-fiction book, whilst writing in a respectable, objective way. This makes a welcome change from most literature on North Korea, which is often very sensationalist in nature.
The only snag with the work is the age, published in early 2005. However, it is key for understanding how the US and North Korea reached this impasse, as very little has changed since.
Overall, an academic and highly objective account, much better than the sensationalist writing that dominates the North Korea landscape.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews