North KoreaÕs foreign relations are a blend of contradiction and complexity. They start from the incongruity between PyongyangÕs highly touted policy of juche, or self-reliance, and North KoreaÕs extended and heavy reliance on foreign aid and assistance over the 6 decades of its existence. This aidÑboth military and economicÑin the first 4 decades came from China, the Soviet Union, and communist bloc states; in the past 2 decades, this aid has come from countries including China, South Korea, and the United States. In this monograph, Dr. Samuel Kim examines North KoreaÕs foreign relations with China, Russia, Japan, the United States, and South Korea during the post-Cold War era. He argues that central to understanding North KoreaÕs international behavior in the 21st century is the extent to which the policies of the United States have shaped that behavior. Although some readers may not agree with all of Dr. KimÕs interpretations and assessments, they nevertheless will find his analysis simulating...