Kim Jong-il’s Death Has Inspired Uncertainty and Anxiety: North Korea’s Succession and the Region

Despite clearly laid plans for succession, Kim Jong-il’s sudden death has induced uncertainty and anxiety among North Korea’s neighbors. Whereas his father had two decades to consolidate power over the country, Kim Jong-un has only had two years. With a fragmented and stovepiped system that only allows for the leader to exercise control, a vacuum at the top could lead to bureaucratic infighting. Despite a common fear of instability, North Korea’s neighbors are warily watching both Pyongyang and each other. I write about this in my CNN article.