Korean Spring? An Analysis of the Arab Spring and its Relevance for North Korea

In December 2010, spontaneous protests began in Tunisia following the self-immolation of a Tunisian citizen, who was upset after having his vegetable cart seized by Tunisian police. Wide spread demonstrations followed in the capital city of Tunis. Quickly the protests and demonstrations spread to Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain, Libya and Syria. The series of uprisings came to be known as the “Arab Spring.” The civil uprisings resulted in the downfall of autocratic leaders throughout the Middle East and North Africa. On the other side of the globe, North Korea has taken notice of the Arab Spring. North Korea is undergoing a transition following the death of Kim Jong II. This research thesis analyzed the conditions that existed during the Arab Spring in Egypt, Libya and Syria and applies that analysis to North Korea to determine the possibility of a “Korean Spring” revolution.