A Capitalist in North Korea: A Unique and Eye-Opening Account of Life and Business in the Hermit Kingdom

Review of A Capitalist in North Korea

Name: A Capitalist in North Korea

Launch: 12 August 2014

Author: Felix Abt

Genre: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery

Rating: ★★★★

Buying Link: Amazon

A Capitalist in North Korea Book Review

A Capitalist in North Korea: My Seven Years in the Hermit Kingdom is a memoir by Felix Abt, a Swiss entrepreneur who lived and worked in North Korea from 2002 to 2009. Abt was the country director for ABB, a Swiss-Swedish power company, and later co-founded the European Business Association and the Pyongyang Business School in North Korea. He also invested in several joint venture companies in various sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, mining, and information technology.

The book is a rare and fascinating glimpse into the reality of North Korea, beyond the stereotypes and propaganda that often dominate the media. Abt describes his personal and professional experiences in the country, as well as his interactions with the North Korean people, government, and culture. He challenges some of the common misconceptions about North Korea, such as its isolation, poverty, and oppression, and reveals a more nuanced and complex picture of a society that is undergoing gradual change and opening up to the outside world.

The main point of the book is to show that North Korea is not a monolithic and static entity, but a diverse and dynamic one, where different perspectives and interests coexist and compete. Abt argues that the best way to understand and engage with North Korea is through dialogue and cooperation, rather than confrontation and sanctions. He also advocates for a more balanced and objective view of the country, based on facts and firsthand observations, rather than prejudices and hearsay.

The book is divided into three parts: The First Years, The Middle Years, and The Last Years. Each part covers a different period of Abt's stay in North Korea, and reflects the changes and challenges that he faced during that time. The book is also interspersed with anecdotes, photos, and documents that illustrate Abt's points and provide additional information.

One of the strengths of the book is that it offers a rare insider's perspective on the business environment and opportunities in North Korea. Abt explains the legal and regulatory framework, the market conditions, the risks and rewards, and the dos and don'ts of doing business in the country. He also shares his successes and failures, as well as his insights and advice, on how to operate and succeed in the North Korean market. He shows that, contrary to popular belief, there is a demand and a potential for foreign investment and trade in North Korea, especially in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, health, education, and tourism.

Another strength of the book is that it portrays the North Korean people as human beings, rather than as brainwashed robots or helpless victims. Abt describes the diversity and individuality of the North Koreans he met and worked with, as well as their hopes and aspirations, their challenges and frustrations, their joys and sorrows, and their humor and creativity. He also shows the cultural and social aspects of North Korea, such as its cuisine, music, art, literature, sports, and festivals. He reveals that the North Koreans are not isolated or ignorant of the outside world, but rather curious and eager to learn and exchange with foreigners. He also acknowledges the problems and shortcomings of the North Korean system, such as its corruption, bureaucracy, inefficiency, and human rights violations, but he does not demonize or generalize the entire country or its people.

One of the weaknesses of the book is that it sometimes lacks critical analysis and depth, and relies too much on anecdotal evidence and personal opinions. Abt does not provide enough sources or references to support his claims or arguments, and he does not address some of the counterarguments or alternative views that might challenge his perspective. He also tends to gloss over or justify some of the negative aspects of North Korea, such as its nuclear weapons program, its military provocations, its political repression, and its humanitarian crisis. He sometimes comes across as too defensive or apologetic of the North Korean regime, and too dismissive or cynical of the Western media and governments.

Another weakness of the book is that it is somewhat outdated and incomplete, as it was published in 2014 and covers only up to 2009. Since then, there have been significant developments and changes in North Korea, such as the death of Kim Jong Il and the rise of Kim Jong Un, the economic reforms and experiments, the diplomatic outreach and summits, and the increased tensions and sanctions. The book does not reflect the current situation and challenges of North Korea, and it does not offer any predictions or recommendations for the future.

A Capitalist in North Korea is a unique and eye-opening account of life and business in the Hermit Kingdom, written by a Swiss entrepreneur who spent seven years in the country. The book offers a rare and fascinating glimpse into the reality of North Korea, beyond the stereotypes and propaganda that often dominate the media. The book shows that North Korea is not a monolithic and static entity, but a diverse and dynamic one, where different perspectives and interests coexist and compete. The book also argues that the best way to understand and engage with North Korea is through dialogue and cooperation, rather than confrontation and sanctions.

I would give the book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, as it is an informative and entertaining read, but it also has some flaws and limitations. I would recommend the book to anyone who is interested in learning more about North Korea, especially from a business and personal perspective. I would also suggest some questions for further discussion, such as:

• How reliable and credible is Abt's account of North Korea? What are the strengths and weaknesses of his perspective and methodology?
• How has North Korea changed since Abt left the country in 2009? What are the current opportunities and challenges for doing business and engaging with North Korea?
• What are the best strategies and policies for dealing with North Korea, both at the bilateral and multilateral levels? How can the international community balance the goals of security, stability, and human rights in relation to North Korea?