Lankov on North Korea's Hybrid Economy
repare for a fascinating deep dive into one of the world's most enigmatic nations. Renowned North Korea expert, Professor Andrei Lankov, is set to deliver a compelling lecture titled "North Korea: From Socialism to Capitalism — and a Little Bit Back" at The Fridge Warehouse in Dubai's vibrant Alserkal Avenue. Scheduled for Sunday, November 16th, 2025, at 4:30 PM (Dubai time), this event promises to peel back the layers on the realities of life and economics in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Far from being merely the "last Stalinist state," Lankov posits North Korea as a dynamic, albeit tightly controlled, laboratory of survival. Andrei Lankov is widely regarded as one of the foremost international authorities on North Korea. A professor at Kookmin University in Seoul, he offers a unique perspective shaped by years of rigorous academic study, extensive travel to the country (before restrictions tightened), and deep engagement with those who have left. He is known for his ability to blend historical context with ground-level observations, often challenging conventional narratives presented in Western media. Lankov is a prolific author, with critically acclaimed books like "The Real North Korea: Life and Politics in the Failed Stalinist Utopia" and "North of the DMZ: Essays on Daily Life in North Korea," which delve into the complexities of North Korean society beyond headlines about missiles and political rhetoric. He is also a regular contributor and commentator for various international media outlets, making his insights accessible to a global audience. In this upcoming lecture, Professor Lankov will explore the monumental shift that occurred in North Korea following the collapse of the socialist system in the 1990s. This period gave rise to spontaneous black markets, which gradually evolved into semi-legal and now increasingly formalized systems of domestic capitalism. The central question he addresses is why the Kim regime tolerates, and in some ways navigates, this burgeoning market economy. How does this hybrid system function on a daily basis for its citizens? And what does that intriguing "little step back" imply about the regime's long-term strategy and control mechanisms? Lankov's analysis goes beyond simple descriptions, seeking to explain the delicate balance North Korea strikes between maintaining absolute control and allowing economic activity necessary for survival, both for the state and its people. His lectures are known for being insightful, evidence-based, and often reveal aspects of North Korean life that are counterintuitive to external observers. Set within the creative and cultural hub of Alserkal Avenue, The Fridge Warehouse provides an ideal venue for such a thought-provoking discussion. If you've ever been curious about the true dynamics at play within North Korea, beyond the often one-dimensional portrayals, this lecture by one of the world's leading experts is an opportunity not to be missed. Professor Lankov will explain how North Korea's economy *really* works and why understanding this complex reality is crucial to grasping the nation's trajectory.