Soviet-North Korean Relations During the Cold War: Unruly Offspring

This book explores Soviet-North Korean relations during the Cold War, revealing how the influence of the Soviets on Pyongyang diminished from overwhelming to negligible. It covers topics such as the early history of North Korea, the Korean War, and the Soviet origins of the North Korean flag. It is a valuable resource for students and scholars of North Korea, Russian Studies, the Cold War, and Communism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive exploration delves into the intricate dynamics of Soviet-North Korean relations during the Cold War, spanning from 1945 to 1991. Drawing upon a wealth of primary documents and sources, including Russian and Korean, the book offers a revealing account of how the influence of the Soviets on Pyongyang gradually waned throughout the course of the conflict. Initially, the Soviets exerted a profound and overwhelming influence on North Korea, particularly during its early years of foundation. However, as the Cold War progressed, this influence diminished significantly, culminating in a negligible level at the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The book delves into the early history and foundation of North Korea, examining the August Plenum and the strategic approach employed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) during the Sino-Soviet split. It sheds light on previously overlooked topics such as the preparation and conduct of the Korean War, the political journey of Kim Il-sung toward independence, the widespread skepticism and mockery of North Korean propaganda among Soviet citizens, and the Soviet origins of the design of the North Korean flag.

This book serves as a valuable resource for students and scholars of North Korea, Russian Studies, the Cold War, and Communism. It provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of a critical period in global history, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay of political, economic, and cultural forces that shaped the relationship between the Soviet Union and North Korea.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032537306