Imagery and Propaganda
North Korea has an extensive propaganda arm specifically for promoting the country’s relationship with Russia. The North Korean government utilizes both imagery and words to spread a positive message about their relationship, often portraying the two countries as partners in solidarity and comrades in arms. This imagery is pervasive throughout North Korean society and can be seen in newspaper articles, TV broadcasts, and even in the books that school children learn from. On the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Friendly Relations and Cooperation between North Korea and Russia, North Korean ruler Kim Jong-un made a speech praising the alliance between the two countries.
Military Cooperation
North Korea and Russia have a substantial mutual security partnership, with Russia providing economic, technological, and military assistance to the North Korean government. For instance, Russia provides most of North Korea’s fossil fuels and is reportedly helping the country modernize its military equipment. According to reports, Russia has also provided technical expertise to help North Korea create an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear payload.
Economic Partnership
Russia is North Korea’s second-largest trade partner, after China. The two countries primarily trade in metals, coal, oil, and machinery, but are observed to be developing new types of joint ventures and other activities. For example, Russia has agreed to build new rail lines in several of North Korea’s provinces and has agreed to jointly develop North Korean natural resources. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also spoken multiple times about claiming rights to North Korean fishing areas in the Sea of Japan.
Power Shift Away from US
Russia and North Korea’s relationship is predicated on their shared desire to limit American influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Both countries have used their partnership to present a united front against US foreign policies and military presence in the region. In particular, North Korea has used its partnership with Russia to try to create an anti-US coalition that could potentially influence the outcome of any negotiations concerning the North Korean nuclear weapons program.
Comparison of Social Systems
The similarities between Russia’s authoritarian model of government and North Korea’s similarly rigid system of governance are often observed in discussions of the two countries’ relationship. Many analysts point out that North Korea’s leaders have long been enamored with Russia’s economic and political success and have used their own country as a kind of mirror to copy some of Putin’s strategies. North Korean propaganda frequently casts Russia in a positive light and is seen to be beneficial for the North Korean government’s attempts to socially engineer its citizens.
Involvement in Crises
North Korea and Russia have both been involved in several crises over the past few decades, including the Korean War and the ongoing crisis in Syria. During the Korean War, North Korea and the Soviet Union stood together in opposition to the United States and South Korea. Both countries have continued to cooperate in the wake of the war and have worked together to mediate peace negotiations and to monitor North Korea’s nuclear activities. In Syria, Russia has supported the government’s military actions against opposition forces while North Korea has provided economic assistance and supplies to the regime.
Korean Unification
In the event of a Korean unification, North Korea and Russia would almost certainly seek to benefit from the new state. Although both countries have publicly denied any desire to interfere in the process, it is widely assumed that they would at least try to influence the course of events in their own favor. For instance, Russia has long sought an expansion of the Trans-Siberian Railway into North Korea, and North Korea could provide the Kremlin with new investment opportunities and political leverage.
Conclusion of Normalization Talks
In 2007, North Korea and Russia began normalization talks. At first, the two countries had a rocky relationship, as North Korean officials were openly critical of Russia’s support for South Korea in the years following the Korean War. Over time, however, their relationship has improved and North Korean leaders appear to be more welcoming of Russia’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Most recently, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin have held talks to further strengthen ties between the two countries. As the normalization talks come to a close, it appears that Russia and North Korea’s relationship has become much more secure than it ever was before.
International Norm Compliance
In recent years, North Korea and Russia have both sought to extend their influence abroad by offering aid and assistance to countries in need. This has included development projects, military cooperation, and other activities. However, both countries have been frequently criticized by the international community for not abiding by international norms and regulations. North Korea has been repeatedly accused of violating multiple UN resolutions and human rights instruments while Russia has been accused of interfering in foreign affairs and political systems. Despite these issues, Russia and North Korea appear to be actively engaged in their diplomatic and economic relationships.
North Korea and Russia share a number of strategic interests, including opposition to the US-led alliance in the Asia-Pacific region and a desire to see peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. It is likely that the two countries will continue to deepen their relationship, especially as they recognize the mutual benefit they can provide to each other by strengthening ties on military and economic issues.
Trade and International Business
North Korean-Russian trade has increased substantially in recent years, from around $100 million in 2000 to more than $500 million in 2017. Exports from North Korea to Russia include minerals and metals, machinery, and foodstuffs, while Russian exports to North Korea include manufactured goods and machinery. This increased trade has been beneficial for both countries and has helped to strengthen the ties between them, as both countries seek to expand their economic and military cooperation.
Joint International Ventures
The two countries have also entered into a number of joint international ventures in recent years. These ventures include the construction of new power lines, the development of natural resources in North Korea, and even tourist projects. These projects are aimed not only at increasing economic ties between the two countries, but also at promoting political and cultural cooperation between them.
Political and Cultural Exchanges
North Korea and Russia also actively promote political and cultural exchanges between their citizens. For instance, China and Russia regularly hold conferences to discuss issues of mutual interest and to share ideas on how to strengthen ties between the two countries. Similarly, North Korea and Russia have organized cultural exchange visits, with North Korean officials visiting Moscow and Russian officials travelling to Pyongyang. These exchanges have helped to increase understanding and appreciation for each other’s culture and further strengthen the ties between the two countries.
