'Juche Strong': A Dialogue on the Posturing and Propaganda of North Korea

Featuring Rob Montz, Director, Juche Strong; and Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow, Cato Institute; moderated by Caleb O. Brown, Director of Multimedia, Cato Institute.

International observers have long predicted the collapse of North Korea; with a totalitarian government, failed economy, and few friends in the international community, there seems little reason to expect otherwise. Yet, the Kim regime persists — but why? In Juche Strong, director Rob Montz examines the propaganda apparatus that exists in North Korea, the underlying Juche philosophy of national "self-reliance" that fuels it, and the pivotal role it plays in the continued existence of the secretive country. Montz argues that a collective sense of purpose instilled by cradle-to-grave propaganda has been key to sustaining the country, and has created a quasi-religious fervor around the Kim dynasty that persists even as North Koreans suffer under the brutal regime.

Can North Korea continue indefinitely in this fashion? If so, what policies should the U.S. consider as North Korea strives to develop its nuclear program? How should the U.S. respond when North Korean leaders threaten aggression? Please join us for a screening of this documentary and a discussion of these fascinating issues.

Video produced by Blair Gwaltney and Caleb Brown.

[davidusnazarus]

who the hell they think they are? do something for your own black population. try to save them from police brutality. LEAVE DPRK ALONE.

[drugandalcohol]

I don't consider myself a libertarian, a liberal, or anything. I'm a collectivist and roman catholic. I believe in what's best for all of us, not just myself. Individualism is a scourge upon the face of humanity. The Western mindset is broken, egotistical, narcissistic, self-indulgent etc etc... NK has it's problems, but allow them to remain isolated culturally from the corrupt culture of the rest of the world and trade as they please. Unfortunately now more and more chinese people are smuggling in USB sticks full of western and westernized asian films and tv and radio, for what? TO make NK people want to defect or uprise. That's ridiculous. It's ADMITTING the power of propaganda in Hollywood-style propaganda itself.

[klee]

People seems to be interested in poverty in North Korea. Are you that interested in homeless and poverty of you own citizens? Dog's eat much better if you are homeless. Why don't you talk to your own homeless once in while? North Korea is isolated because you are isolated from North Korea. If you don't know, then go find out and stop isolating yourself from North korea. If you skip school, don't blame school to be secret and isolated place. GO LEARN. Hint: media is not good source.

[dankmemes]

The CATO institute of all people talking about propaganda😂😂

[stevemcgee]

How ignorant is this: I think Un is saber rattling for a good reason. He wants to integrate with South Korea, and remain in power. He can do this if he makes it seem like war with US and SK are imminent, and that he brokers peace like a hero.

It's only US policy that keeps him safe from us and 'international courts' - but he needs the support of the people. I think 'preventing the big war' is one way to do this.

[drugandalcohol]

I agree steve. This is ignorant and bigoted. North Korea is very very isolationist, especially culturally. And this has helped their people psychologically. yes, their is starvation and poverty. There should not be. There should be more open trade but of course the hoarders of wealth will not trade with NK.