North Korea After Kim Jong Il

North Korea's stability is in question as the country tries to smoothly transition from the leadership of the late Kim Jong Il to that of his youngest son and chosen successor, Kim Jong Un. Kim Jong Il had been the clearly designated successor to his father for decades before taking power, while Kim Jong Un was only officially selected in late 2010. But the way in which Kim Jong Il's death has been handled thus far, as well as China’s continued support, demonstrate the interest that external forces and North Korea’s elites have in keeping the succession in order.