Since the death of Kim Jong-il in December 2011, it is apparent that his successor, Kim Jong-un, has embarked on a strategy of ‘Byongjin,’ or parallel development of nuclear weapons whilst simultaneously undertaking economic reform. It is apparent that the new leadership in Pyongyang is seeking an approach to increase agricultural output toease food shortages and improve the peoples’ standards of living, amidst continuing diplomatic isolation. Such circumstances appear set tocontinue, given the continuing poor relations that Seoul and Washingtonhave with Pyongyang, and the deterioration of Sino-North Korean relations. Set against this backdrop, we argue that there is potential forNorth Korea to look south, to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN), in attempting to develop a new model for economic reform. In particular, we note the success of Vietnam’s Doi Moi, in enablingthat country to overcome food shortages, raise living standards, stimulate rapid economic growth, and emerge from diplomatic isolation.
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