April 25, 2024

About the author

Robert E. McCoy

Robert E. McCoy is a retired U.S. Air Force Korean linguist and analyst/reporter who was stationed in Asia for more than fourteen years. He continues to follow developments in East Asia closely. Mr. McCoy’s book Tales You Wouldn’t Tell Your Mother is now out. He can be contacted via his website http://musingsbymccoy.com/ which also lists his previous essays and has personal vignettes on Asia (Tidbits) not published elsewhere.

More articles by 'Robert E. McCoy'

Why it’s time for South Korea to take more responsibility for its defense

Why it’s time for South Korea to take more responsibility for its defense

An increase in spending on the part of Seoul could allay fears of an alliance decoupling

Why it’s time for South Korea to take more responsibility for its defense
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy January 20, 2019
Why Washington cannot abandon the North Korean human rights issue

Why Washington cannot abandon the North Korean human rights issue

In softening its stance, the U.S. has given up a useful pressure point

Why Washington cannot abandon the North Korean human rights issue
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy December 30, 2018
In nuclear negotiations with North Korea, the U.S. still holds the upper hand

In nuclear negotiations with North Korea, the U.S. still holds the upper hand

Kim Jong Un does not have a strong enough hand to demand sanctions relief

In nuclear negotiations with North Korea, the U.S. still holds the upper hand
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy December 20, 2018
As daylight grows, South Korea must choose between sovereignty or the alliance

As daylight grows, South Korea must choose between sovereignty or the alliance

Seoul may soon be faced with a stark decision to make

As daylight grows, South Korea must choose between sovereignty or the alliance
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy October 23, 2018
Why North Korea is pushing back on its human rights record

Why North Korea is pushing back on its human rights record

Pyongyang could use the issue as a pretext to withdraw from dialogue should things not go its way

Why North Korea is pushing back on its human rights record
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy May 13, 2018
How the U.S. could deter a nuclear North Korea without a war

How the U.S. could deter a nuclear North Korea without a war

Washington's Cold War grappling with the USSR offers some clues on how to keep the DPRK in check

How the U.S. could deter a nuclear North Korea without a war
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy February 2, 2018
Why a civilian uprising in North Korea is unlikely – for now

Why a civilian uprising in North Korea is unlikely – for now

State control of information flow would make organised opposition almost impossible

Why a civilian uprising in North Korea is unlikely – for now
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy October 30, 2017
Why it isn’t sanctions that hurt North Korean civilians

Why it isn’t sanctions that hurt North Korean civilians

Pyongyang has more than enough wealth to feed the people - it just chooses not to

Why it isn’t sanctions that hurt North Korean civilians
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy October 3, 2017
U.S. bombers and fighters off N. Korea’s east coast: why Pyongyang didn’t react

U.S. bombers and fighters off N. Korea’s east coast: why Pyongyang didn’t react

Flying in the Sea of Japan close to the DPRK has been exceptionally hazardous in the past

U.S. bombers and fighters off N. Korea’s east coast: why Pyongyang didn’t react
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy September 29, 2017
Transferring wartime OPCON to S. Korea: the key questions

Transferring wartime OPCON to S. Korea: the key questions

In the event of a war with the North, should Seoul, or the U.S., call the shots?

Transferring wartime OPCON to S. Korea: the key questions
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy July 14, 2017
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