The Survival Strategies of the North Korean Elite. Issue 3 (4th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lankov, Andrei
• Is Part Of: Russian politics and law. Volume 58:Issue 3/4(2021)
• Page Start: 173
• Page End: 192
• Publication Date: 2021-07-04
• Subjects: North Korea -- KPDR -- reforms -- political stability -- elites; Law -- Former Soviet republics -- Periodicals; Law -- Russia (Federation) -- Periodicals; Law; Politics and government; Former Soviet republics -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Russia (Federation) -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Russia (Federation); Soviet Union -- Former Soviet republics; Periodicals; 349.47
• DOI: 10.1080/10611940.2022.2111940
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1061-1940

Abstract

ABSTRACT: For decades a host of observers have periodically declared that North Korea is on the verge of collapse. Yet in practice the regime has demonstrated considerable resilience and will most likely last for a long time to come. This article explores both the factors posing a potential threat to the regime's stability (above all, its contiguity with rich, free, and attractive South Korea) and the factors contributing to its stability (the cohesiveness of elites). North Korea's policy during the period since 2011 is analyzed as a set of measures that are primarily designed to help neutralize external and internal threats to the regime's stability. Although a sudden collapse of the Kim family regime is hypothetically possible, it is more probable that the it retain control of the country for the foreseeable future.