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The State of North Korean Studies: A Critical Appraisal

While it cannot be denied that the current academic literature on North Korea is rapidly growing, current studies in the field can still be defined by a number of weaknesses. This paper argues that six such weaknesses can be found: (1) a paucity of theoretical and comparative studies, (2) an overall lack of methodological rigor, (3) logistical constraints on data, (4) a lamentable shortage of trained specialists, (5) various political constraints and a strong ideological bias, and (6) the generally noncumulative nature of the literature. The concluding section ponders the implications and effects of these points on future research.