The two Koreas, despite sharing the same peninsula and the same historical heritage, were arbitrarily divided in 1945 into tow roughly equal halves. Since then, these two nations have evolved into sharply contrasting societies. Sometimes described by Western intelligence agencies as a 'black hole', North Korea often appears impenetrable. In this book, Seth offers and excellent synthesis of existing scholarship, including a thorough examination of contemporary sources. Seth masterfully traces how North Korea gradually transformed itself from a Soviet-style socialist state to an ultra-nationalist, dynastic one, illuminating this journey with an engaging understanding of the political, ideological, economic and social forces at play. This comprehensive account of North Korean history offers a clear, accessible overview of the nation from its evolution out of the colonial period through the birth of the DPRK, the Korean War, industrialization, the emergence of the dynastic regime, the famine and the country's recent reaffirmation of its unique path to socialism. Throughout, Seth adds a rich dimension by placing North Korean history into broader global perspective and considering the implications for the future of the country. -- From the back cover.

Historical roots of the North Korean state -- Birth of the DPRK and failed reunification, 1945-1953 -- Industrialization and political consolidation, 1953-1967 -- Creating a monolithic system and a dynastic state, 1967-1980 -- From stagnation to crisis, 1980-1994 -- Famine and survival, 1994-2005 -- Failed revolution, enduring state, 2005-2016.