The Impossible State by Victor Cha

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Synopsis

An expert in international relations and former Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council delivers the definitive account of one of America's most mysterious and challenging threats: North Korea, exploring its veiled past and its uncertain future "A powerful portrait of one of the world's most troubled and troublesome countries by a leading regional expert. It is also a fascinating, behind-the-scenes account of recent American foreign... more

An expert in international relations and former Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council delivers the definitive account of one of America's most mysterious and challenging threats: North Korea, exploring its veiled past and its uncertain future "A powerful portrait of one of the world's most troubled and troublesome countries by a leading regional expert. It is also a fascinating, behind-the-scenes account of recent American foreign policy by a leading official. Two major books for the price of one-a must-read combination for anybody interested in Korea, east Asia, or global security more generally."-Gideon Rose, Editor, Foreign Affairs While the Soviet Union, its socialist satellites, and corrupt Arab regimes in Egypt and Libya have been swept away on the tides of history, North Korea remains intact. Now, in the uncertainty wrought by longtime ruler Kim Jong-il's recent death, the global community must ask how this nation-state-one that has regularly violated its citizens' inalienable rights and suffered famine, global economic sanctions, a collapsed economy, and near total isolation from the rest of the world- has survived. In The Impossible State, seasoned international policy expert and lauded scholar Victor Cha pulls back the curtain on a controversial and isolated country that is much discussed, often maligned, yet so little known. He explores North Korea's history, from its origin at the end of World War II to the rise of the Kim family and the obsessive personality cult that empowers them. He sheds light on North Korea's economy and society, and analyzes its major security issues-from the seemingly endless war with its southern neighbor to its frightening nuclear ambitions and appalling record of human rights abuses-and its belligerent relationship with the United States. Cha reveals a land of contradictions that faces a pivotal and troubling dynastic transition of power from tyrannical father to inexperienced son. Ultimately, he warns that the regime may be closer to its end than many think-a political collapse for which America and its allies may be woefully unprepared. Interweaving rare personal anecdotes of the author's time in Pyongyang and as an advisor in the White House, this engagingly written, authoritative and highly accessible history offers answers to pressing questions and provides much-needed insight into this impossible state. less

About Victor Cha

Victor Cha is the former Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council, where he served as an advisor to the President from 2004-2007. The... more

Victor Cha is the former Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council, where he served as an advisor to the President from 2004-2007. The recipient of two Outstanding Service commendations during his tenure at the White House, Cha is also the award-winning author of Alignment Despite Antagonism and Beyond the Final Score: The Politics of Sport in Asia. His writing has appeared in Foreign Affairs, International Security, and Political Science Quarterly among other journals. He currently holds the D.S. Song Chair in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and is a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. less