December 18, 2011 10:46PM 

# Kim Jong-il Is Dead 

By [Christopher A. Preble](https://www.cato.org/people/christopher-preble) 

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The [AP](http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/18/9544976-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-il-dies) and [others](http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-19/kim-jong-il-north-korea-s-dear-leader-dictator-dead-at-70-yonhap-says.html) are reporting that North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il has died at the age of 70. This has long been expected, but what comes next is unclear. The best case scenario would be a smooth [transition to new leadership](https://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=13506), one that is committed to opening up North Korea’s ossified political system and reforming its decrepit economy. That is unlikely, however. If a power struggle ensues, the North Korean people will be caught in the middle. The countries with the most at stake in the event of a complete collapse of the DPRK — especially South Korea and China — [should take the lead](https://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=13794) in helping the North Koreans to sort out their future.

##### Related Tags 

[Defense and Foreign Policy](https://www.cato.org/defense-foreign-policy), [General](https://www.cato.org/general) 

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