North Korea: Masters of Survival and Control

For a long time, people tended to see North Korea as a joke, a strange country run by irrational and megalomaniac dictators. At first glance, the long-term existence of such a regime seemed to contradict the principles of social and political science. North Korean leaders have often been seen as a laughing stock. Why? Mostly because of their supposed irrationality. But is this perception really accurate? History has proven this view wrong. Many autocrats, once seen as examples to emulate, have been thrown into the proverbial dustbin of history. Yet, the Kim family remains in power. How have they managed to outlast so many other regimes? What is their secret to survival? The actions of North Korean leaders, including those that may seem bizarre to outsiders, are actually quite rational. Could it be that these strange behaviors serve a deeper purpose? The goal is clear: to preserve and maintain the current North Korean state, along with its political and social system. At the core of this strategy is the dominance of its hereditary leadership, which has been carefully safeguarded. How does this regime continue to thrive, while so many others have crumbled? What lessons can we learn from their survival tactics? Andrei Lankov, one of the world’s leading experts on North Korea, will answer these and many other questions. He’s taught Korean history at various universities and is the author of key books like "The Real North Korea" and "North of the 38th Parallel." Lankov has written for The Korea Times, Bloomberg, Al Jazeera, and NK News. After the lecture, he will also take questions from the audience.The meeting will be held in English in Kings College London, Bush House. Here is the Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qfad1UZJ8bQKTonS9 Additionally on October 11 in London, Andrey Lankov will give a lecture for the Russian-speaking audience. Tickets here: https://clck.ru/3DR2eb