Chapter
The Paradox of Kim Il-sung
09:36 - 22:09 (12:32)
This episode explores the paradoxical nature of Kim Il-sung's leadership style, where he simultaneously had to make all major decisions on his own yet be wary of enemies and plots around him. He managed to play two major superpowers, China and the Soviet Union, against each other to obtain more independence for North Korea.
Clips
Living a double life, with the constant pressure of decision making and paranoia, a dictator must navigate the fragile balance between hubris and paranoia to control their inner circle and prevent coups.
09:36 - 12:47 (03:10)
Summary
Living a double life, with the constant pressure of decision making and paranoia, a dictator must navigate the fragile balance between hubris and paranoia to control their inner circle and prevent coups.
ChapterThe Paradox of Kim Il-sung
Episode#102 - Frank Dikotter - How To Be A Dictator
PodcastModern Wisdom
The bedrock of Marxist theory is the material circumstances in which the revolution takes place.
12:47 - 18:32 (05:44)
Summary
The bedrock of Marxist theory is the material circumstances in which the revolution takes place. One of the very attributes of a dictator is to understand the local culture extremely well and be able to use it to become a dictator.
ChapterThe Paradox of Kim Il-sung
Episode#102 - Frank Dikotter - How To Be A Dictator
PodcastModern Wisdom
Kim Il-sung managed to obtain more independence for North Korea by playing China and the Soviet Union against each other, and his son continued his legacy with fear and an extravagant cult of personality.
18:32 - 22:09 (03:37)
Summary
Kim Il-sung managed to obtain more independence for North Korea by playing China and the Soviet Union against each other, and his son continued his legacy with fear and an extravagant cult of personality.