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Webster's bibliographic and event-based timelines are comprehensive in scope, covering virtually all topics, geographic locations and people. They do so from a linguistic point of view, and in the case of this book, the focus is on "North Korea," including when used in literature (e.g. all authors that might have North Korea in their name). As such, this book represents the largest compilation of timeline events associated with North Korea when it is used in proper noun form. Webster's timelines cover bibliographic citations, patented inventions, as well as non-conventional and alternative meanings which capture ambiguities in usage. These furthermore cover all parts of speech (possessive, institutional usage, geographic usage) and contexts, including pop culture, the arts, social sciences (linguistics, history, geography, economics, sociology, political science), business, computer science, literature, law, medicine, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology and other physical sciences. This "data dump" results in a comprehensive set of entries for a bibliographic and/or event-based timeline on the proper name North Korea, since editorial decisions to include or exclude events is purely a linguistic process. The resulting entries are used under license or with permission, used under "fair use" conditions, used in agreement with the original authors, or are in the public domain. ... Read more

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Surveys the geography, history, economy, foreign relations, people, and culture of North Korea. ... Read more

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Greenhaven Press's The World's Hot Spots series provides context and insight into some of the most unstable and conflict-ridden places on the planet. Each volume is an anthology of primary and secondary documents that provides historical background and contemporary analysis on the conflicts in one country or region. An introduction outlines essential background information, and a historical chapter illustrates the roots of the conflicts. Next a wide range of individuals--from world leaders, activists, and professional writers--presents the causes and potential solutions to the current hostilities. In addition, each book includes extensive research tools, such as an annotated table of contents, comprehensive bibliographies, and a glossary of terms and important figures. Greenhaven Press's The World's Hot Spots series will help readers develop a firm grasp of some of the most important issue to affect the international community. (20050401) ... Read more

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Asia in Focus: The Koreas presents an authoritative and unprecedented look at the contrasts and similarities between the history, geography, politics, economy, culture, and society of North Korea and South Korea. It offers a wealth of new insights into North Korean life, as well as extensive explorations of Korean music, arts, language, cuisine, and popular culture, including the "Korean wave,Ó which began with the export of Korean television dramas to other parts of Asia and has spread South Korean culture around the world. Also included are sections on women's history and roles, class and ethnicity, and a wide range of contemporary issues.

For a deeper understanding of one of the most closely watched regions of the globe, this volume is a must.

Customer Reviews (3)

Comprehensive and substantive
The Koreas succeeds in being both comprehensive and substantive, from ancient history to modern table manners.Topics are broken down into logical chunks so that students can use this book almost like an encyclopedia for reports or research projects.The list of references at the end of each section adds considerable value to this resource.Clear black and white photographs give visual support to the information.This is THE go-to book for high school, college, and interested adult readers who want either a strong understanding of a particular topic or a magisterial course in Korean history and culture.

Comprehensive and Concise Introduction of Korean History
As a Korean American, I confess that I knew next to nothing about Korean History. World History textbooks will include China and Japan, but ignore Korea. The only mention of Korea in American History textbooks is the Korean War. Even then, the role of Koreans are marginalized in favor of the United States and China. As a result, Korean Americans are implicitly taught that Korea is an inconsequential nation with no history of value.

"The Koreas" is a comprehensive introduction to the rich and dynamic history of Korea and its people. Instead of sharing a sequential history of Korea, the book is wonderfully organized in content specific areas: Geography, History, Government and Politics, Economy, Society, Culture, and Contemporary Issues. Each section is written in a manner that makes it easy for the reader to compare ancient and recent Korean history. Furthermore, each individual entry is 2-3 pages in length, making the wealth of information much easier to digest.

I believe "The Koreas" is an essential resource for educators, whether they be K-12 teachers or university professors who teach introductory level courses in Asian American History.

I also recommend this book to Korean Americans who want to learn about Korean History. They will walk away with a greater appreciation for their rich & unique heritage.

A top pick for high school to college-level libraries strong in Asian studies
Joining others in the 'Asia in Focus' series, THE KOREAS is a history and social survey of the contrasts and similarities between two nations. History, geography, politics and cultures are considered in chapters exploring the countries and their connections, making this a top pick for high school to college-level libraries strong in Asian studies. ... Read more

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A half century after the Korean War, North and South Korea are still divided and comprise one of the world's foremost trouble spots. American and Korean experts present differing opinions and analyses on the economies, human rights records, and military and foreign policies of these two nations that have evolved in strikingly different directions. (20020801) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Both sides of the debate...
I try to read as much as possible about Korea, both North and South.I found this book while working on a research paper and I ended up buying it.
It covers many issues dealing with North/South Korea, but it doesn't only give you a one-sided story.The editors found some of the leading writers/scholars on the topics presented and had compiled opposing view points so that the reader can decide for him/herself.

The topics covered are:
1) Is North Korea a serious threat? (4 articles)
2) What is the State of Democracy in North and South Korea (4 articles)
3) What should US policy be towards North and South Korea? (6 articles)
4) What is the future of North and South Korea (6 articles)
... Read more

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The geography of China stretches some 5,026 kilometres across the East Asian landmass bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam in a changing configuration of broad plains, expansive deserts, and lofty mountain ranges, including vast areas of inhospitable terrain. The eastern half of the country, its seacoast fringed with offshore islands, is a region of fertile lowlands, foothills and mountains, deserts, steppes, and subtropical areas. The western half of China is a region of sunken basins, rolling plateaus, and towering massifs, including a portion of the highest tableland on earth. The vastness of the country and the barrenness of the western hinterland have important implications for defense strategy. In spite of many good harbors along the approximately 18,000-kilometer coastline, the nation has traditionally oriented itself not toward the sea but inland, developing as an imperial power whose center lay in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River on the northern plains ... Read more

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This comprehensive book explains that while world politics has entered the post-Cold War era since the late 1980s, the Korean peninsula has not. Diplomatic relations have yet to be established between North Korea, the US and Japan, while conventional military confrontation has persisted. Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program has further increased tensions and the possibility of war has frequently been considered.

In this rigorously theoretical work, the author analyzes the tension on the peninsula through three very different perspectives: the security dilemma and misperceptions; domestic politics and ideology; and the influence of external actors. Recognizing that existing explanations do not take full account of the multi-dimensional character of Korean security problems, efforts are made in this book to understand how various interrelated factors are at work, and which of them matter most under different conditions. This book provides an invaluable and balanced understanding of the complex nature of post-Cold War security problems on the peninsula.

Academics, researchers and post-graduate students interested in issues pertaining to security on the Korean peninsula, and on US policy towards North Korea will find much to engage them within this book, as will as those interested in politics and international relations more generally. The in-depth analyses of current issues of interest and their policy implications, will also appeal to policymakers. ... Read more

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Economic sanctions are becoming increasingly central to shaping strategic outcomes in the twenty-first century. They afford great powers a means by which to seek to influence the behaviour of states, to demonstrate international leadership and to express common values for the benefit of the international community at large. Closer to home, they can also offer a 'middle way' for governments that apply them, satisfying moderates and hardliners alike. For some great powers in the multipolar world order, however, they pose a threat to trading relationships. They may also serve as a prelude to military action. With China's international voice growing in prominence and Russia asserting its renewed strength, often in opposition to the use of sanctions, it will be ever more difficult to reach a consensus on their application.

Against this backdrop, knowing what kind of measures to take and in which scenarios they are most likely to work is invaluable. This Adelphi focuses on the different sanctions strategies of the United States, China, Russia, Japan and the EU, with regard to the unfolding nuclear crises in Iran and North Korea. It examines how these measures, designed to marginalise the regimes in both countries and restrict their ability to develop nuclear weapons, have also influenced the sanctioning states' international partners. As such, they are not just a tool of statecraft: they are potentially an important facet of grand strategy.