Not-So-Great Expectations

For 60 years, North Korean dictators have promised their people prosperity and progress. But even the best of what they can offer amounts to pretty slim pickings.

BY ADAM CATHCART | APRIL 13, 2012

Electricity

Before Kim Jong Il died, the powerful new Organization and Guidance Department promised that 24-hour electricity would be available in the capital by the New Year to "stabilize people's lives," according to sources inside North Korea.  Power shortages, unfortunately, remain all too common.

KNS/AFP/Getty Images

 SUBJECTS: NORTH KOREA, EAST ASIA
 

Adam Cathcart is assistant professor of history at Pacific Lutheran University and editor of SinoNK.com.