RAND Experts Available on Death of Kim Jong-Il and the Future of North Korea and the Region

RAND North Korea experts Bruce Bennett and Andrew Scobell are available to discuss a variety of issues related to the death of North Korea's Kim Jong-Il, including:

• What are the implications for stability in North Korea following Kim Jong-Il's death?
• While Kim Jong-Il had about 20 years as the designated successor before his father died, Kim Jong-Un has had less than two for his presumed ascendancy. How will this influence the transition of power?
• How might Kim Jong-Un want to demonstrate his empowerment? Could a provocation, such as a nuclear test, serve this purpose?
• As China prepares for its own change of leadership, what concerns does Beijing have with North Korea's potential instability?
• Does Kim Jong-Il's death open the door for reform within the isolated nation?