Bruce Bechtol

North Korean expert BRUCE BECHTOL is featured for the entire show to discuss his new book, "North Korea and Regional Security in the Kim Jong-un Era." 

Bechtol compares the state of North Korea under Kim Jong-un to the reign of the late Kim Jong-il, and analyzes how closely Jong-un is following the blueprints set by his father. Bechtol also explains Jong-un's path to power, outlining how, out of five Kim children, it was he who became ruler. 

Later in the show, Bechtol examines the reasons behind the purging of Jang Song Thaek, and discusses the resulting split it has caused between North Korea and China. Bechtol also describes the mass collaboration between the North Korean government and transnational organized crime, articulating how regional illicit trafficking markets have acted to benefit the North Korean regime.

Bechtol addresses the impact current international sanctions are having on the citizens of North Korea and in turn on its government. Additionally, he outlines how sanctions similar to the 2007 "Banko Delta Asia" ones could further rein in the North Korean government by bringing down its money laundering operations.