Journalist, and former Washington Post correspondent in Seoul, Peter Maass on the influence of Korean nationalism and recent “radioactive” developments on the peninsula.
Whatever happened to nationalism and the risky maneuverings of states? Nothing, actually. Kim Jong Il, entering from stage far-left, reminds us that new threats, like Islamic extremism, do not replace old ones.
The Korean peninsula is an ancient hothouse for nationalism and its offshoots; it is also a brilliant example of the uses, abuses and durability of national esteem.
From the New York Times Sunday Magazine. Read the rest here.
{ 1 comment }
Rose Byrd 10.27.06 at 1:17 am
Cat, I just received my Sunday NYT for 10/22/06 in my mailbox yesterday. Saw that article in the Sunday Magazine. There’s also a cover article in Week In Review with an excellent map placing in juxtaposition the old Rust Belt of NE China and N.Korean distressed Rust Belt. The only porous border with N. Korea is the one with China, not Russia or S. Korea. In short, China does not want the collapse of government in N.Korea, throwing all those refugees over into their country. Truly, an “ancient hothouse”.
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