In today’s world, the idea of North Korea being diametrically opposed to Guam, is enough to be quite frightening. It isn’t hard to come up with plenty of historical reasons why this might be the case. North Korea, under the despotic rule of Kim Jong-Un, is well known for its oppressive policies and threats of war against its neighbors and the United States. Guam, on the other hand, is a popular tropical getaway and is a possession of the United States, being officially a unincorporated territory. The combined political and historical tension between the two regions is enough to suggest that there is an exceptionally great distance between them. Nevertheless, it is worth more closely evaluating this gap to fully comprehend the monumental distance between these two territories.
It is actually rather complicated to determine the exact distance between North Korea and Guam. This is due to political tensions between the two regions and the complexities of the geography between them. Flying from Pyongyang International Airport to Guam International Airport would be the shortest route, but this is near impossible considering the travel restrictions in place for North Koreans, as well as the strained relations between the two countries. Therefore, it is easier to measure the equivalent distance by way of a land route, where possible. The distance from Pyongyang city center to the northernmost point of Guam island is approximately 7,830 miles. It is important to note, however, that the two points are separated by the East China Sea, the Pacific Ocean and various other bodies of water, so the actual distance of travel by air route is likely to be significantly greater.
In order to get more perspective on the sheer enormity of the North Korea-Guam distance, it is helpful to compare it to other distances within Asia. For example, the flight distance between Pyongyang and Tokyo is approximately 1,629 miles. Therefore, it is more than 6 times smaller than the approximate distance between Pyongyang and Guam. Likewise, the distance between Pyongyang and the South Korean capital, Seoul, is approximately 141 miles in air travel time. This shows the huge contrast between the international tensions between North and South Korea, versus the situation between North Korea and Guam.
Objectively, it can be fairly easily determined that the physical distance between North Korea and Guam is incredibly large – enough so to generate a significant amount of tension between the two regions. Since this is the case, it is helpful to consider why these two regions are drifting so strongly further apart. Experts suggest that the political nature of North Korea’s current regime plays a large role in creating this divide. North Korea engages in constant threats and displays of provocations, attempting to leverage military aggression in order to achieve its own potential domestic and international goals. On the other side of the equation, the United States plays a large role in maintaining the situation in Guam, as well as other international areas of military significance. This includes various forms of deployments and military rhetoric in order to repel any aggression from North Korea.
When looking at the direct distance between North Korea and Guam, it is hard to ignore the influential powers on either side. After all, the distance of 8,000 miles serves not only to mark the physical barrier between these two regions, but also the political and cultural divide between them. In this respect, it can be said that the newly-invented form of ‘digital diplomacy’ is currently the only way to bridge this gulf. Through the mediums of social media, virtual diplomacy and satellite technology, it is possible to communicate messages and emotions between North Korea and Guam, without having to breach the immense physical gap.
Natural Resources of North Korea and Guam
When looking specifically at the geographical resources available to both North Korea and Guam, there is an exceedingly clear contrast between the two regions. North Korea is situated in the heart of northeastern Asia near Siberia and China. It is an isolated country, not recognized by many of the world’s nations and is surrounded by mountains, forests and rivers. Despite its relatively small size, North Korea has abundant resources such as coal, iron ore, steel, zinc and gold. These resources are often used by Kim Jong-Un regime’s regime to maintain its brutality and to fund its various operations.
On the other hand, Guam is located near the equator in the western Pacific Ocean. It is part of the Mariana Islands and has tropical weather throughout most of the year. Guam’s environment is particularly suitable for agricultural production, with substantial amounts of banana, corn, sweet potatoes and taro being grown. Moreover, the rich marine life in the surrounding ocean gives Guam a significant advantage in the fishing industry. Many of the island’s natural resources, such as water and timber, are also used to fuel its growing tourism industry by allowing Guam to offer a haven for travelers of all kinds.
Economic Activity of North Korea and Guam
Additionally, the economic potential of both North Korea and Guam also reveals a great deal about their respective distances. North Korea has traditionally been a centrally-planned economy that primarily focuses on heavy industry. It is well known for its production of an ample variety of minerals, energy, and weapons. Despite international sanctions, North Korea has stubbornly maintained its economic systems, largely due to the abundance of natural resources and capital given to the country by foreign participants. Recently, however, North Korea has started to diversify its economy into light industry, becoming increasingly reliant on tourism and trade with China.
On the other hand, Guam’s economy largely functions on the service industry, due to the abundance of tourists and tropical getaways. The local infrastructure is small, but substantial, with Guam being increasingly reliant on its large U.S. bases for financial support. Guamanians are highly likely to be employed by one of the many resorts and tourist destinations in the area, while the vast military presence is important in maintaining the political strength of Guam.
Local Government Structure of North Korea and Guam
The respective local government structures of North Korea and Guam provide valuable insight into the cultural divide between the two regions, while simultaneously reinforcing the distance between them. North Korean citizens are not granted many of the same rights as those living in Guam and other U.S. territories. This is due to the nation’s closed market and militant rule, where citizens are only able to express limited forms of dissent.
Local government in Guam, on the other hand, is relatively open and progressive. The country has its own legislature, judiciary and a governor who are all responsible for setting the nation’s laws and standards. The main task of the local government is to ensure the safety, governance and prosperity of its citizens and to ensure that the laws of the United States are adhered to.
Public Opinion of North Korea and Guam
The public opinion of both North Korea and Guam also adds interesting context to the debate of whether these two regions are too far apart. Public opinion in North Korea is largely shaped by the authoritarian rule of Kim Jong-Un and the oppressive standards of the nation’s leadership. North Koreans largely feel that they are cut off from the rest of the world and the only way to survive is by rigidly following the traditions and laws set forth by the regime.
Thankfully, the citizens of Guam are a lot freer to speak and express their opinions, enjoying the same rights granted to the citizens of other U.S. territories. Public opinion in Guam tends to lean towards being pro-U.S. and increasingly anti-North Korean. This is due to the steady transformation of Guam into an oasis for tourists, academics and outdoor enthusiasts, accompanied by an increase in military deployments in recent times.
Security Situation of North Korea and Guam
The current security situation between these two regions serves as the defining difference between North Korea and Guam. North Korean leadership continues to present a direct threat to Guam, through its regular displays of military aggression and stockpiling of nuclear armaments. This dangerous situation is quickly becoming the defining factor between North Korea and Guam, as the two states inch closer to the possibility of actual war.
The security situation in Guam, however, is constantly maintained on a military level. President Trump has increased U.S. troops in Guam and the surrounding waters as a deterrent to any possible violence from North Korea. This strategic move has allowed Guam to remain a safe, stable region, despite the ongoing tensions between the two nations.
Potential of Change Over Time
In the future, it remains unclear what will become of the distance between North Korea and Guam. It is generally accepted among many diplomats, lawmakers and academics that the ultimate goal of peace and prosperity should be strived towards. It can also be said that achieving this will be highly difficult, so long as the current leadership of North Korea persists in its authoritarian rule.
Nevertheless, there is potential for change over time. North Korea appears to be slowly becoming less isolated, although it is clear that there is still a long way to go. Similarly, Guam is beginning to experience a period of growth and development, as its citizens become increasingly aware of their place in the global community. It is possible that the present-day distance between North Korea and Guam could eventually be replaced by diplomatic understanding as the two nations enter into a new era of co-existence.
