Strategies of Survival: North Korean Foreign Policy under Kim Jong-un

The North Korean nuclear issue has been a significant challenge to international peace and security in the 21st century. This book seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of North Korean foreign relations, focusing on its relations with other states and organizations that play important roles in its strategy of surviving in the international systems.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

The North Korean nuclear issue has emerged as one of the most pressing and complex challenges to international peace and security in the 21st century. The inability to peacefully resolve this issue has the potential to lead to regional instability and even nuclear warfare, posing significant risks to global stability. Since North Korea conducted its first successful nuclear test in 2006, it has persistently defied the international community's efforts to address its nuclear program. Many view the decision-makers in Pyongyang as irrational or even crazy, given their aggressive stance and repeated threats of nuclear aggression. However, it is important to note that North Korea has undergone a significant shift in its foreign policy since early 2018. The country has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue and pursue rapprochement with its neighbors and the international community.

Understanding the complexities of DPRK foreign policy, its past, and its potential future is crucial in navigating the challenges posed by this country. This book aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of North Korean foreign relations, focusing on its interactions with a wide range of states and organizations. While existing analysis and literature primarily focus on China, the United States, South Korea, and Japan, it is essential to recognize the importance of the DPRK's relations with other states and entities that play significant roles in its survival strategy within the international system.

The North Korean nuclear issue has its roots in the country's history, political system, and economic challenges. The country's pursuit of nuclear weapons has been driven by a combination of security concerns, nationalism, and a desire to assert its dominance on the global stage. North Korea's nuclear program has been met with international sanctions and diplomatic pressure, yet the country has continued to develop its nuclear capabilities, raising concerns about its intentions and the potential for conflict.

One of the key challenges in understanding DPRK foreign policy is the country's opaque and unpredictable nature. The regime in Pyongyang operates on a closed system, and information about its internal affairs and decision-making processes is limited. This makes it difficult to assess the country's true intentions and the factors that influence its foreign policy decisions. Additionally, the country's leadership is known for its erratic behavior and unpredictable actions, which further adds to the complexity of understanding its foreign policy.

Despite the challenges, there are some key factors that can help us understand DPRK foreign policy. One important factor is the country's relationship with China. China has been a key ally of North Korea for decades, providing economic and political support to the regime. China's influence on North Korean foreign policy is significant, and the country's interests in maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula and preventing the spread of nuclear weapons are closely intertwined with North Korea's.

Another important factor is the country's relationship with the United States. The United States has been a longstanding adversary of North Korea's nuclear program, and the two countries have engaged in a series of diplomatic negotiations and military exercises to address the issue. However, the relationship between the United States and North Korea has been characterized by tensions and mistrust, and the resolution of the nuclear issue remains a complex and challenging task.

In addition to its relationships with China and the United States, North Korea has also maintained diplomatic relations with a range of other countries and organizations. These include Russia, South Korea, Japan, and the European Union. North Korea's foreign policy is influenced by a variety of factors, including its economic needs, its security concerns, and its desire to promote its ideology and values on the global stage.

One of the key aspects of DPRK foreign policy is its emphasis on self-reliance and independence. The country has pursued a policy of economic isolationism, relying heavily on its own resources and military capabilities to maintain its sovereignty and protect its interests. North Korea has also developed a strong sense of nationalism, viewing itself as a victim of Western imperialism and seeking to establish a strong national identity and sovereignty.

Another important aspect of DPRK foreign policy is its pursuit of nuclear weapons. North Korea has long maintained that its nuclear program is necessary for its survival and to deter potential threats from the United States and other countries. However, the country's nuclear program has also been criticized for its destabilizing nature and the potential for conflict.

Despite the challenges posed by DPRK foreign policy, there are some opportunities for engagement and dialogue. The country has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States and other countries, and there have been some positive signs of progress in recent years. However, the process of engagement and dialogue is complex and requires a sustained effort from all parties involved.

In conclusion, the North Korean nuclear issue has been one of the most significant challenges to international peace and security in the 21st century. The inability to peacefully resolve this issue has the potential to lead to regional instability and even nuclear warfare, posing significant risks to global stability. While the decision-makers in Pyongyang are often viewed as irrational or crazy, it is important to recognize that the country has undergone a significant shift in its foreign policy since early 2018. Understanding the complexities of DPRK foreign policy, its past, and its potential future is crucial in navigating the challenges posed by this country. By engaging in dialogue and pursuing rapprochement, there is hope for a peaceful resolution to the nuclear issue and for building stronger relationships between North Korea and the international community.

Weight: 435g
Dimension: 236 x 157 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666922318