Another MUST read, especially if you’re a policy wonk
The National Bureau of Asian Research recently released a report–actually a compilation of papers–from a January conference entitled, “Regional Economic Implications of DPRK Security Behavior: The ‘Bold Switchover’ Concept.” Readers will be treated to:
- NICHOLAS EBERSTADT: Economic Implications of a “Bold Switchover” in DPRK Security Policy: Potentialities for A Still-Socialist DPRK Economic Policy, International Financial Assistance, and North Korean Economic Performance
- BRADLEY O. BABSON: Implications of a “Bold Switchover” in Security Policy for Involving the International Financial Institutions in Financing North Korean Economic Development
- MARCUS NOLAND: The Economic Implications of a North Korean Nuclear Breakout
Be absolutely sure to read it. But just to let you know what you’re getting into, this is from the National Bureau of Asian Research’s website:
The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) held a conference in Beijing on January 18-19, 2006, entitled “Regional Economic Implications of DPRK Security Behavior: The ‘Bold Switchover’ Concept,” which analyzed the potential domestic and regional economic benefits that would emerge from a potential North Korean “bold switchover” in security policy. Conference participants — representatives from USA, ROK, Japan, Russia, and China — examined the ways in which this hypothetical relaxation of North Korea’s security posture would affect regional trade, investment, output, and employment. They also explored the benefits that would accrue to the North Korean economy, and even touched upon some of the potential regional responses in terms of financial aid.
This report contains three papers that present a brief snapshot of the conference proceedings. Nicholas Eberstadt provides an overview of the “bold switchover” concept, and examines the economic benefits that would result if Pyongyang shifted from its “military-first politics” to “defense sufficiency.” Bradley O. Babson examines the involvement of international financial institutions (IFIs) in financing North Korean economic development. Marcus Noland examines the flip side of the issue: instead of looking at the economic ramifications of a “bold switchover,” he explores the economic impact of a North Korean nuclear break out, either in the form of a nuclear test or proliferation.
Like I said, read on, you crazy diamond.
(Hat tip to reader)
