March 29, 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'

It’s time to get real: Putin cannot convince N. Korea to give up nukes

It’s time to get real: Putin cannot convince N. Korea to give up nukes

The notion that Russia can persuade Pyongyang to stop its nuclear program is a misreading of reality

It’s time to get real: Putin cannot convince N. Korea to give up nukes
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy February 2, 2017
For the sake of unity, Japan must make amends for the “comfort women”

For the sake of unity, Japan must make amends for the “comfort women”

Examining the past is critical to peace on the Peninsula and a united front against North Korea

For the sake of unity, Japan must make amends for the “comfort women”
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy January 26, 2017
Will there be conflict on the Korean Peninsula in 2017?

Will there be conflict on the Korean Peninsula in 2017?

Quasi-governmental news outlet in China says the peninsula is most likely spot for war this year

Will there be conflict on the Korean Peninsula in 2017?
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy January 17, 2017
Is progress really taking place in North Korea?

Is progress really taking place in North Korea?

Changes in North Korea give us hope – but we must take advantage of opportunities for change

Is progress really taking place in North Korea?
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy January 6, 2017
The next step in solving the North Korea issue: Getting Beijing onside

The next step in solving the North Korea issue: Getting Beijing onside

China is the one key to solving the North Korea problem – so how do we secure Beijing’s cooperation?

The next step in solving the North Korea issue: Getting Beijing onside
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy December 29, 2016
Make no mistake: North Korea is a state-level crime family

Make no mistake: North Korea is a state-level crime family

The difference between the Kim dynasty and the Godfather family is merely one of scale

Make no mistake: North Korea is a state-level crime family
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy December 9, 2016
What would regime change in Pyongyang look like?

What would regime change in Pyongyang look like?

Developing a democratic government for the North will take time

What would regime change in Pyongyang look like?
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy December 5, 2016
Will President Trump abandon South Korea?

Will President Trump abandon South Korea?

Whether Trump will hold to his campaign rhetoric remains to be seen

Will President Trump abandon South Korea?
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy November 25, 2016
The U.S. has finally got some things right on N. Korea

The U.S. has finally got some things right on N. Korea

Unfortunately, it is two steps forward and one step back when dealing with Pyongyang

The U.S. has finally got some things right on N. Korea
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy November 13, 2016
How to interact responsibly with North Korea

How to interact responsibly with North Korea

When dealing with Pyongyang, there is too much talk and not enough action

How to interact responsibly with North Korea
Robert E. McCoy
Robert E. McCoy November 1, 2016