Week IV:
January 29th and 31st
DPRK and the Collapse of the Soviet Block
Tuesday: January 29th: Understanding the North Korean Economy
Thursday: January 31st:
The Collapse of the Soviet Block, and South Korea's Nordpolitik
Readings:
- Byung-Yeon Kim, chaps 1 & 2
- Armstrong, chap 7
Study Questions:
- Armstrong argued that over-emphasis on military preparedness is the main reason for North Korea's falling behind South Korea economically before 1992.
- What does BY Kim see as the most important aspects of the North Korean economy? Would he agree with Armstrong?
- How did South Korea's Nordpolitik change the playing field and complicate North Korea's foreign relations?
- What were the consequences to North Korea of the collapse of the Soviet block?
- What are the reasons for North Korea's nuclear program? (prestige? blackmail? security?)
- Do you think North Korea's nuclear program limits North Korea's economic options under its new "Dual Advance" policy?
|