Change and Continuity in North Korean Politics [Hardcover]

In the years since the death of Kim Jong-il and the formal acknowledgement of Kim Jong-un as head of state, the North Korean regime has made a series of moves to further augment and consolidate the ideological foundations of Kimism and cement the young leaders legitimacy. Historical narratives have played a critical, if often unnoticed, role in this process. This book seeks to chronicle these historical changes and continuities.

Continuity and Change in North Korean Politicsexplores the stable and shifting political, cultural and economic landscapes of North Korea in the era of Kim Jong-un. The contributors deploy a variety of methodologies of analysis focused on the content, narratives and discourses of politics under Kim Jong-un, tracing its historical roots and contemporary practical and conceptual manifestations. Moving beyond most analyses of North Koreas political and institutional ideologies, the book explores uncharted spaces of social and cultural relations, including childrens literature, fisheries, grassland reclamation, commemorative culture, and gender. By examining critical moments of change and continuity in the countrys past, it builds a holistic analysis of national politics as it is currently deployed and experienced.

Demonstrating how historical, political and cultural narratives continue to be adapted to suit new and challenging circumstances, this book will be of interest to students and scholars of Korean Studies, Korean Politics and Asian Studies.

Introduction

1. Kim Jong-un Syndrome: North Korean Commemorative Culture and the Succession Process Adam Cathcart

2. Wrapped in a Fog: On the DPRK Constitution and the Ten Principles Christopher Green

3. Family Tradition: Modern Representation and the Ideal Woman in Kim Jong-uns First Year Darcie Draudt

4. Kim Jong-un and lC>