The Impossible State: North Korea, Past And Future (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
An exhaustive, in-depth analysis of Korea's recent history, the state of North Korea today, and what might happen in its future. Victor Cha provides an honest approach in analyzing the state of North Korea, taking the reader on a journey through the last 100 years of both prosperity and detriment. This is a must read for anyone interested in the truth about how North Korea came to be the impossible state. This book is written by a former policy advisor to George Bush and expert on North Korea. It is divided into sections covering different aspects of North Korea. These include where the regime came from, the dangers of a war between North and South, the prison camps and culture of fear and of course the possibilities of unification. I learned a lot about North Korea that I did not already know, such as the kidnapping of Japanese citizens by the North Korean government, or that the regime also deals in drugs and counterfeit currency.I enjoyed the book because it's well written and richly detailed. I'd prefer it if the author had covered the normal people and their daily lives a bit more, but it's understandable he did not since he moves in the diplomatic circles and higher echelons of the US government and probably did not get chance to experience regular people in North Korea as much as people travelling under different circumstances would.If you're interested in this fascinating country and it's unique problems, you will undoubtably enjoy this book.
What do You think about The Impossible State: North Korea, Past And Future (2012)?
Very good first hand info from a person with dict contact with members of the DPRK regime.
—samisaurus
Great overview of the current and past situation of North Korea after the Korean war
—babygirl
The most comprehensive, all encompassing book on North Korea I've read so far.
—TJZ81
