“The DPRK is a conscious maker of history, playing a role far greater than its small geographical size or population would reasonably suggest”, states Keith Bennett in a speech to the organization Friends of Korea, and in a wide-ranging analysis of its international relations, he shows that not least of its achievements is its adherence to socialist principles as the core of its relations with China and other socialist and progressive states.

“She was the daughter of a Prime Minister. She grew up in an intensely political family. Her father was martyred. She went on to twice serve as Prime Minister, the first democratically elected woman leader of a Muslim majority country. She, too, gave her life for her country. An extraordinary life by any standard.” Keith Bennett, addressing the commemoration meeting organised by Third World Solidarity, chaired by Alderman Mushtaq Lasharie.

“The DPRK is a supremely rational actor. The government, the system and the country would not have survived a longer period of sanctions, imposed by the United States and others, than even Cuba has endured, unless it had an extremely astute and rational leadership.” Keith Bennett in discussion with Professor Radhika Desai, Geopolitical Economy Hour, 16 June 2026.