Putin and Pyongyang in 2012

Very good work. I’d be interested to read your thoughts on the upcoming DPRK foreign policy review. The mainstream in the west seem curious as to whether new leadership will constitute a less hardline regime.

That said, my favourite Kim Jong-il story was how he had lobster airlifted to his train when visiting Russia. Daily. It just edges out his world record breaking round of golf, or the spectacular double rainbow which heralded his birth.

Thanks for reading,

I don’t think 2012 will be the best time to judge whether the regime will be any more or less hardline than before. It’s highly symbolic for North Korea as it’s the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim-Il Sung, and a time when the people had been promised it would be a time of plenty. 2013 and beyond will really be the time to start watching to see how the regime behaves. My own estimate is that while there may be economic developments, moreso on a national level than on the streets, little will change politically or with internal security.

Glad you enjoyed.

Georaphy dictates…100% agree with the author. Thank you for the work. Taking a look at the Russia-DPRK relationships one should consider China as well. Hope to read the next work on the theme through the prizma of China’s interests.
Guest from Russia.