The use of youth and youth organizations to promote the ideals of the North Korean system, while indoctrinating future generations, is a fascinating part of what has created a stable regime.
North Korea is certainly not the first country to use youth in this way, nor the first to create compulsory youth groups. However, this particular type of organization and implementation is distinctly North Korean, and provides a greater understanding of the maintenance of repression in the country.
The use of youth and youth organizations to promote the ideals of the North Korean system, while indoctrinating future generations, is a fascinating part of what has created a stable regime.
North Korea is certainly not the first country to use youth in this way, nor the first to create compulsory youth groups. However, this particular type of organization and implementation is distinctly North Korean, and provides a greater understanding of the maintenance of repression in the country.
Niki O'Brien is a journalist covering in current affairs and international development. She has previously interned at the European Alliance for Human Rights in North Korea and contributes to The Huffington Post UK Blog. She is based in London. You may follow her on Twitter: @n1k1o