North Korea in a Nutshell

[Hassig and Oh] have written a fantastic introduction to North Korea covering geography, leadership, human rights, the government, the military, foreign relations, culture, and the economy. Written so that each chapter and subtopic can be read and understood on its own, the book reflects the authors’ contention that once the Kim family is gone, North Korea will have to reenter the world stage and join the modern age. The book is based on solid research and written in an accessible style that explains complex ideas and events in just a few words or paragraphs. While the text assumes readers have some background knowledge and agree with the authors’ opinion that the Kims are the primary factor holding back North Korea from reaching its full potential, repetition among chapters and sections allows readers to pick up the text at any point to understand the development of the country throughout the past 65 years. Chapter 6 provides excellent background on foreign relations and establishes a good foundation for understanding how North Korea remains a “hermit kingdom” even into the 21st century. Highly recommended. * Choice Reviews *
One of the most important books on north Korea in recent history . . . [that]makes the hermit kingdom and the intelligence community’s ‘hard target’ accessible to the policy maker, strategist, military planner, and perhaps most importantly, to the public. . . . But this is no dry area study. This is a very well written book that flows smoothly, and while filled with critical facts about the regime, it provides context for these facts and offers perspectives that help the reader to understand how the geography, history, culture, and the regime’s revolutionary thinking influence policy, strategy, and actions. . . . This book should be at the top of any recommended Korean reading list. It is now on mine. * Small Wars Journal *
North Korea in a Nutshell is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand one of the world’s most secretive and problematic countries, written by two of the world’s most knowledgeable experts. Even those who think they know North Korea well will find great insights here. -- Francis Fukuyama, Stanford University
To the outside world, North Korea appears solely as a nuclear menace led by a dynasty of despots. This essential new volume by Kongdan Oh and Ralph Hassig, two veteran analysts with decades of experience, reminds us that North Korea is also a real country, albeit a very different one, with its own distinctive history, society, economy, commerce, and culture. Its twenty-five million people must navigate through political oppression, a stringent class system, and pervasive corruption to satisfy basic human needs and fulfill universal desires. To understand why North Korea is what it is, start with this fascinating read. -- Brian Michael Jenkins, RAND Corporation
This deeply insightful book sheds an unfiltered light on all aspects of the past and present of North Korea, thus enabling readers to fathom possible scenarios for its future. The authors pave a broad road to guide our journey exploring one of the world’s most difficult countries to understand. -- Minsoon Song, author and former foreign minister of the Republic of Korea
For decades, I have turned countless times to Katy Oh and Ralph Hassig to understand North Korea. To capture their deep and wide knowledge of that sad but dangerous country in one volume is a signal service to the general reader. Moreover, this book also has new insights for those of us with long experience dealing with the Hermit Kingdom. -- Admiral Dennis C. Blair, former Director of National Intelligence and former Commander-in-Chief Pacific