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Becoming Kim Jong Un
Jung H. Pak
"Becoming Kim Jong Un" by Jung H. Pak offers a compelling glimpse into the life, rise to power, and consolidation of authority of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Pak, a former CIA analyst and North Korea expert at the Brookings Institution, delves into the seldom-explored aspects of Kim's early years, family dynamics, and the intricacies of the regime's power structure. The book combines extensive research, interviews, and analysis, providing readers with a thorough understanding of how Kim Jong Un became the leader he is today.
Key Points / Ideas
1. The Formative Years:
Pak sheds light on Kim Jong Un's upbringing and education, drawing from accounts of family members, classmates, and those who interacted with him during his time in Switzerland. She argues that his experiences in Europe, exposure to Western culture, and encounters with affluent students shaped his worldview and desire for power.2. Kim Jong Il's Succession Plan:
The author emphasizes the meticulous planning and grooming carried out by Kim Jong Il to ensure his son's smooth transition into power. Pak provides insights into the secretive process, including the propaganda campaign launched to position Kim Jong Un as the rightful heir and the purging of potential rivals within the regime.3. Consolidation of Power:
Pak explores the challenges Kim Jong Un faced upon assuming leadership, such as his youth, lack of experience, and the need to establish his authority in a regime dominated by senior officials. She analyzes the significant purges and executions that took place in the early years of his rule, highlighting their role in solidifying his power and eliminating potential threats.4. Domestic and International Policies:
The book delves into Kim Jong Un's domestic policies, including economic experiments, social control methods, and the perpetuation of the Juche ideology. Pak also explores his approach to international relations, including nuclear weapon development, ballistic missile tests, and diplomatic maneuvers with regional powers and the United States.Significant Evidence and Examples:
Throughout the book, Pak supports her arguments with a wealth of evidence, including interviews, defector testimonies, public speeches, state media analysis, and detailed accounts of high-profile events like the execution of Kim Jong Un's uncle, Jang Song Thaek. She draws from these sources to paint a comprehensive picture of Kim Jong Un's rise to power and the inner workings of one of the most secretive and authoritarian regimes in the world.Conclusion
"Becoming Kim Jong Un" is a meticulously researched and insightful exploration of the North Korean leader's journey to power. Pak's analysis of his formative years, the regime's succession plan, the consolidation of his authority, and his domestic and international policies provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of Kim Jong Un's rise and reign. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in North Korean politics and the complex dynamics of authoritarian regimes. For further reading, "The Great Successor" by Anna Fifield and "The Impossible State" by Victor Cha offer additional perspectives on Kim Jong Un and his regime.
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