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Sabin Muntean

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

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Winds of change in North Korea?

Do you believe that in light of recent events (the passing away of Kim Jong-il) change is possible in North Korea?
Will Kim Jong-un pursue the same course of isolation and authoritarian rule that his father and grandfather established or does he have the potential to be open to new ideas?

I am looking forward to an interesting debate, especially since the outcome is very difficult to predict. Jong-un is after all still in his twenties and has apparently only recently been induced into the higher circles of power. Does he even have something to say at the moment or is he only a puppet ruler guided by other high officials?

Related Talks:
Topics: Communism North Korea democracy
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    Johan Oakes

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    Dec 20 2011: This question is a great debate question because everyone knows a possible result, but no one knows the exact result. This is because of the anonymity of Kim Jong-Un. He has barely stepped onto a platform of leadership, and no one knows what his thought, intentions, or motivations are. He may follow his father out of pressure from surrounding leaders, or he may well have gotten sick of his father's authority and he may spread love and peace (and freedom) to other North Koreans. It is totally unpredictable.

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