・ The divided country nature of the Korean peninsula means that the North Koreans face a more difficult ideological task than did the Chinese and Vietnamese reformers.
The dynastic aspect of the North Korean regime would make this political balancing act even harder still.
・ Successful reform would involve deepening relations with South Korea and Japan―two countries with which North Korea has a problenmatic history (Figure 2).
ADVANTAGES: One tremendous advantage the other transitional economies did not have: a supportive international environment, specifically the existence of South Korea.
3) WHAT ARE THE ULTIMATE INTENTIONS OF THE NORTH KOREAN REGIME?
To what purpose would the North Korean regime put the gains to reform?
Addressing the pressing material needs of its people or military modernization?
Uncertain. Could be genuine interest in constructive integration with the rest of the world community. Won't know for months if not years.
Could be purely opportunistic―adopt the techniques of reform without the dominant values or norms of the international system. Could result in a strengthened adversary.
How can we tell? Like Deepthroat said, follow the money. Behavior in past year is not auspicious in this regard.
・ despite reported economic growth, increased reliance on international food assistance―[flag famine analysis in chapters 5 and 7].
・ bought the Kazhak airforce and increased military manuveurs.
