North Korea and Myanmar: Divergent Paths

Book info: North Korea and Myanmar: Divergent Paths (Paperback, 246 pages) – McFarland, 2018. Language: English.

North Korea and Myanmar (Burma) are Asia's most mysterious, tragic stories. For decades they were infamous as the region's most militarized and repressed societies, self-isolated and under sanctions by the international community while, from Singapore to Japan, the rest of Asia saw historic wealth creation and growing middle class security.

For Burma, the threat was internal: insurgent factions clashed with the government and each other. For North Korea, it was external: a hostile superpower--the United States--and a far more successful rival state--South Korea--occupying half of the Korean peninsula.

Over time, Myanmar defeated its enemies, giving it space to explore a form of democratization and openness that has led to reintegration into international society. Meanwhile, North Korea's regime believes its nuclear arsenal--the primary reason for their pariah status--is vital to survival.

Editorial Reviews Review “Quickly and succinctly brings students up to speed on issues in both countries”―Journal of American-East Asian Relations. About the Author Andray Abrahamian has lived in Myanmar, worked in North Korea for a non-profit and held multiple fellowships and teaching positions, including at Ulsan University, the University of Yangon, Macquarie University, Griffith Asia Institute, Jeju Peace Institute and Pacific Forum CSIS. He has published extensively on Myanmar and North Korea.