The Real North Korea

Life and Politics in the Failed Stalinist Utopia

By: Andrei Lankov

Narrated by: Steven Roy Grimsley

Andrei Lankov has gone where few outsiders have ever been. A native of the former Soviet Union, he lived as an exchange student in North Korea in the 1980s. He has studied it for his entire career, using his fluency in Korean and personal contacts to build a rich, nuanced understanding. In The Real North Korea, Lankov substitutes cold, clear analysis for the overheated rhetoric surrounding this opaque police state. After providing an accessible history of the nation, he turns his focus to what North Korea is, what its leadership thinks, and how its people cope with living in such an oppressive and poor place. He argues that North Korea is not irrational, and nothing shows this better than its continuing survival against all odds. A living political fossil, it clings to existence in the face of limited resources and a zombie economy, manipulating great powers despite its weakness. Its leaders are not ideological zealots or madmen, but perhaps the best practitioners of Machiavellian politics that can be found in the modern world. Even though they preside over a failed state, they have successfully used diplomacy - including nuclear threats - to extract support from other nations. But while the people in charge have been ruthless and successful in holding on to power, Lankov goes on to argue that this cannot continue forever, since the old system is slowly falling apart. In the long run, with or without reform, the regime is unsustainable. Lankov contends that reforms, if attempted, will trigger a dramatic implosion of the regime. They will not prolong its existence.

Based on vast expertise, this book reveals how average North Koreans live, how their leaders rule, and how both survive.

©2013 Andrei Lankov (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Great, enlightening book with a point

What did you love best about The Real North Korea?

The authors insight from within. And just now in the middle of a new nuclear crisis it is extremely relevant information.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The fact that this author who grew up in another communist country and that he has lived in North Korea himself makes this book so extremely useful.

Loved this book!!

Even handed and well informed account of the history, politics and future of nK. Wonderful accounts of how things may turn out. Recommend to anyone who wants to learn about this unique world problem and hope it may be ultimately resolved.

Very Informative

I read this book to better understand the international community’s approach to handling
North Korea. The author describes in detail not only the history of how North Korea came to be, but really the day-to-day life of the average North Korean and a glimpse into the lives of the Kim family. Perhaps, the most valuable part of this book is the what if scenarios the author presents regarding the regime collapse. If you ever wanted to understand NK and the “why” behind the international community’s approach to NK…look no further, this book is truly comprehensive.

Well thought out

You can tell this author knows his subject. Very interesting analysis and thoughtful discussion. Worth the read.

Repetitive But Good Information

An approach of appeasement to North Korea. You challenge evil and not appease it. Same idea as with Russia currently.