North Korean Moderates?

The Joongang Ilbo has an interesting story on how the NK power structure has changed during Kim Jong-Il’s reign. The pattern appears to be combination of “military first” politically, and whatever-it-takes economically. You can make a strong case that North Korea’s hasn’t been doctrinally Marxist for years, but unless you’re Selig Harrison, there’s nothing credible to suggest that North Korea has a viable faction of diplomatic or political moderates.

Recent reports do indeed suggest that Kim Jong-Il remains firmly in control–so I suppose I’m vascillating in my speculation as the evidence comes in–but it’s still a matter of speculation for those of us outside Pyongyang. But whoever is in charge there, it’s almost a sure bet that he suffers no dissent.