Recent political developments on the Korean peninsula suggest both the possibility and desirability for the neighboring powers to establish a new framework for regional peace. The US and North Korea have managed to reach an agreement to reduce mutually hostile threats on a reciprocal basis, and to normalize diplomatic relations by removing economic sanctions. They have thus created conditions potentially favorable for the expansion of trade and the inflow of economic assistance and foreign direct investment to North Korea. A crucial question, however, is will North Korea choose to transform its internal system and adopt an open-door policy in an effort to revive its stagnant economy? The distinguished contributors to this volume address the central issue of the development potential of the North Korean economy and the potential compatibility of economic reform with the maintenance of internal political stability. They examine what will be needed in the way of reform for North Korea to build its social infrastructure and manage its industrial transition to become part of the global market economy. Lessons are drawn from the experiences of China's economic reform since 1979 and German reunification and some sharp insights are provided into the economic forces that will play a major role in shaping the future course of North Korea. This timely book will be of great interest to policymakers, scholars, and students of Asian and transition economies.

The effects of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on globalization, innovation, growth and productivity are immense. ICTs contribute to the globalization of production and capital markets by reducing the cost of information and communication. These technologies have certainly made it easier for multinationals and other companies to spread production facilities all over the world, to co-ordinate international marketing campaigns, and to ease collaboration in projects taking place on different continents. While the anti-globalization movement may claim otherwise, individuals and consumers also have much to gain from the internationalization of trade and commerce. Using the Internet, consumers can today find products on sale in other countries or not available in their own countries, and compare their standard of living to those of others. It is also, as a result of the Internet, much easier for consumers to become better informed. As a result of this increased access to information, markets work more efficiently. Furthermore, globalization has speeded up the diffusion of innovation, bringing new knowledge, products and services to developing countries in months rather than years or decades. This book deals with the implications of a global economy and the emergence of a society permeated by information and communication technologies. The book includes a special focus on telecommunications markets and policy and on user perspectives. The editors have been careful to select a wide range of papers by expert scholars and policy analysts in order to capture the book issues from a number of perspectives. The book represents a holistic approach, bringing to bear a number of critical perspectives: economics, engineering, business, organization theory, psychology, policy analysis, and security concerns. The volume succeeds in providing a multi-faceted and rich view of the book topic.