North Korean Policy Elites
Abstract
North Korea's policy-making procedures remain a mystery to foreigners. This report, written by five North Korean specialists, attempts to identify the North Korean elite, any factions existing among them, and the sources of information to which they have access. The authors conclude the dictator Kim Jon-il is firmly in control and that no elite factions exist, thanks to the stringent security measures instituted over the last half century by Kim and his father. However, the potential for the formation of factions exists, especially if domestic economic conditions decline or if Kim's political succession does not go smoothly. Although access to information about the outside world is severely restricted, the North Korean elite, especially those in the innermost circle, are quite knowledgeable about foreign news affecting them, such as news about U.S. military initiatives in East Asia. However, a legacy of isolation, nationalism, and fear of invasion strongly color how the North Korean elite interpret foreign news. Specifically, U.S. initiatives are invariably viewed with extreme suspicion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA427588
Entities
People
- Alexandre Y. Mansourov
- Joseph S. Bermudez Jr
- Kenneth E. Gause
- Kongdan O. Hassig
- Ralph C. Hassig
Organizations
- Institute for Defense Analyses