Origins of North Korea's Juche: Colonialism, War, and Development

"For over five decades, North Korea has outlived many forecasts of collapse despite defects in its system. Origins of North Korea's Juche: Colonialism, War, and Development, edited by Jae-Jung Suh, argues that it has survived because of a unique political institution built on the notion of Juche, whose meanings and limits have been shaped by Koreans' experiences with colonialism, war, and development amid surrounding superpowers that have complicated their aspirations and plans. The authors in this volume collectively provide a historical institutionalist account of North Korean politics organized around the concept of Juche - commonly translated as self-reliance, but best understood as subjecthood or being a master of one's own fate. This volume traces the historical processes through which Juche has developed into the North's central organizing principle that shapes not only politics and economy but also everyday life. The contributors further discuss how Juche circumscribes the evolutionary path that North Koreans can take as they negotiate contemporary challenges. North Korea, as it is now, is best understood in terms of Juche, which embodies the cumulative effect of its historical experiences and responses and at once enables and constrains its future potential and trajectory. This collection provides fascinating insights into the politics and history of one of the world's most mysterious nations"--Page [4] of cover.