Benjamin R. Young is an Assistant Professor in Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness at Virginia Commonwealth University. He has previously taught at Dakota State University and the U.S Naval War College. He received his PhD in 2018 from George Washington University and was also a member of the 2018-2019 CSIS NextGen Korea Scholars Program. His research primarily revolves around East Asian studies, Cold War international history, security studies, and international relations.

Introduction
1. Building a Reputation, 1956-1967
2. Kimilsungism beyond North Korean Borders, 1968-1971
3. Kim Il Sung's "Korea First" Policy, 1972-1979
4. Kim Jong Il's World and Revolutionary Violence, 1980-1983
5. Survival by Any Means Necessary, 1984-1989
Conclusion