Defiant Failed State: The North Korean Threat to International Security
“To the surprise of many, North Korea still exists in spite of many policy failures. As Bruce Bechtol deftly details in hisDefiant Failed State, North Korea has exercised its limited powers skillfully, in the process exposing the powerlessness of other states. As he also clearly explains, the end of the Kim Jong-Il regime may bring new surprises, ones for which the international community is seriously unprepared.”—Richard C. Bush, Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution“This book is a strong tonic for much of the current thinking that sees North Korea as either a rogue or failed state. Dr. Bechtol effectively argues that it is both, meaning that policy makers face a much more complex dilemma when dealing with the DPRK. Fortunately, Dr. Bechtol also delineates a number of useful ways to break the dilemma. This is a very important read.”—Dr. Paul R. Kan, Associate Professor of National Security Studies, US Army War College“Bechtol once again provides great insight into the ‘crime family cult regime’ leading North Korea and the tremendous issues facing the United States and Republic of Korea alliance. The nuclear issue is but one of the major challenges and threats the alliance must resolve and Bechtol lays it out clearly."—Gen. John H. Tilelli, USA (Ret), Former CINC UNC, CFC, USFK"This impressive work merits consideration by large public libraries and most academic libraries. Recommended. All readership levels."—Choice