Contemporary North Korea

<p>This book provides full details of contemporary economic and political developments in North Korea since late 2005, continuing the overview of developments which were covered in the author’s <em>North Korea: A Guide to Economic and Political Developments</em> (Routledge 2006). Key topics covered include: the succession; family visits; human rights; nuclear capability and intentions; recent initiatives in international relations, and relations with the United States; and adverse economic and social conditions. </p><p>Overall, the book demonstrates the degree to which North Korea’s international position is changing. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the current political and economic situation in North Korea today, and is an important resource for all those interested in this country’s recent development. </p> <p>Introduction and key events Historical background <strong>Part I: Politics</strong> 1. The succession and other family matters. 2. Human rights. 3. Family exchanges and visits between North and South Korea. 4. North and South Korea: political prisoners, kidnappings and refugees. 5. Military aspects; size of the armed forces and number of nuclear weapons. 6. The George W. Bush administration. 7. US defectors. 8. Ethnic Koreans in Japan. 9. South Korea: key dates. 10. A chronology of political developments since 16 November 2005. <strong>Part II: The Economy</strong> 11. Economic reform. 12. Private economic activity. 13. Trade. 14. Aid. 15. Foreign direct investment (FDI). 16. Chinese investment in North Korea. 17. The cost of reunification. 18. Economic performance. </p>