Lankov on Toppling KJI
(Via. The Marmot) Andrei Lankov lists the steps for the US to take in order to bring down the current regime in North Korea. For once, my current position has some actual value because here’s the full article (If the link does not work, just click on The Marmot).
The most interesting policy would be the 4th one, which is carry out cultural exchanges with North Korea. In other word, expose as many North Koreans as possible to the west. While it is unlikely that the DPRK is willing to send people to the US (many Cuban baseball players were lost that way), it is a way to disintegrate the class structure that supports the regime. Can you imagine if one day the elites of North Korea realize that the west can support them better than Kim Jong-Il.
The reality is that we can support the masses in North Korea all we want, but the mechanisms and institutions that have existed 50 years has left them powerless. So while these strategies seem unappealing for those who want a bit of justice for KJI (including me), I believe Lankov’s strategies, which empower North Koreans off all stripes, could work.
But although the ideas may change, it still depends on willpower, which is Lankov’s last point. Will Congress, State Department, and the President heed Lankov’s advice? That’s to be determined.
