Introduction
The hermit kingdom of North Korea has always been notorious for its hostile views and rhetoric towards the United States of America. While America is regarded as one of the most powerful and influential country in the world, North Korea has gone out of its way to portray it in a negative light. This article will analyse the various methods used by North Korea to present its vision of America, as well as the effects of such a campaign on the American people.
Outline of North Korean Propaganda
North Korean propaganda is well known for its overblown rhetoric, exaggeration and extreme depictions. America is portrayed as a Imperialist nation that seeks to oppress other countries and dominate its neighbours. It is portrayed in an extremely negative light – with its citizens often used as a bogeyman to illustrate the depravity of American society. North Korean state media often depicts the country with graphic imagery, painting the USA as an evil and dangerous force of chaos in the international arena.
Furthermore, American policy and diplomacy are often misrepresented and distorted in North Korean media. For example, the US invasion of Iraq was repeatedly cited by North Korea to illustrate the hypocrisy of the US in its international relations. North Korean broadcasts and newspapers often refer to the US government as arrogant and belligerent – an enemy of peace in a post-9/11 world.
Targets of North Korea’s Propaganda
North Korean propaganda is targeted specifically at vulnerable regions of the world, both in terms of physical security as well as socio-economic stability. Developing countries, where North Korean products and services are often welcomed as a less-expensive alternative to foreign competition, are often cited as targets. North Korea’s paranoia towards American influence is so great that the hermit kingdom has even extended its anti-US rhetoric to countries in its own backyard, such as South Korea and Japan.
The main focus of North Korea’s anti-US campaign has typically been on the Chinese and Russian communities, as these are considered the closest allies of America. North Korean propaganda also extends to Western countries, such as France and the United Kingdom, with the aim of ensuring that such countries do not militarily intervene against North Korea.
Impact of North Korea’s Propaganda
North Korea’s anti-US propaganda has had a profound effect on both public opinion and international politics. The hermit kingdom has successfully managed to tap into public opinion to present America as a murderous, oppressive and hegemonic power – something that is often accepted by millions of people throughout the world.
Moreover, North Korea’s campaign has had a ripple effect on global politics, leading to increased unrest and a erosion of trust between the US and other countries. It has caused severe damage to the international standing of America, furthering the hermit kingdom’s stated objective to isolate the US and weaken its influence in the world.
Countering North Korean Propaganda
The American government has been struggling to combat the influence of North Korean propaganda, but has had limited success. The USA has traditionally sought to challenge the legitimacy of North Korean claims, as well as emphasise the hermit kingdom’s violations of human rights and its persistent violations of international law.
More recently, the American government has sought to focus on more positive messages to counteract North Korean propaganda. It has attempted to highlight the positive aspects of the US, such as its diverse society, open democracy and commitment to international accords. The USA has further attempted to engage in more exchange programmes and cultural initiatives to strengthen relations between the two countries.
North Korean Response to US Propaganda
Not surprisingly, North Korea has also retaliated against US propaganda. It has employed its own tactics to discredit the US, such as spreading disinformation and initiating its own cyber campaigns. North Korea has also made use of its own media outlets to spread its message, as well as utilising its proxies and allies to propagate its anti-US agenda.
Furthermore, North Korea has sought to block American initiatives in the region, such as economic sanctions, through diplomatic negotiations and engagement with other countries. The hermit kingdom has also sought to use its nuclear arsenal as a bargaining tool against the US, allowing it to call the shots in geopolitical matters.
US Foreign Policy Towards North Korea
Due to North Korea’s hostile attitude towards the US, the American government has traditionally used a policy of containment and sanctions. The American government has sought to isolate North Korea economically, making use of its Weight of Sanctions against North Korean entities. It has further implemented international restrictions on the importation of North Korean goods and services, further exacerbating the economic crisis in the hermit kingdom.
In addition, the US has sought to pressure North Korea diplomatically, engaging in dialogue with its allies and opponents in the region. The US has also conducted numerous military exercises in the region, as well as bolstering its military presence in order to counteract North Korea’s growing nuclear capabilities.
The Fluctuating US-North Korea Relations
Despite the hostile environment of US-North Korea relations, the American government has sought to de-escalate tensions between the two countries through diplomatic dialogue. In 2018, the historic summit between the US and North Korea was seen as a breakthrough in terms of potential diplomatic progress between the two countries. Following this summit, the two countries have seen a period of relative peace – with no major clashes or confrontations.
However, the de-escalation of US-North Korea relations has been turbulent, with both sides exchanging rhetoric and engaging in tit-for-tat acts. The US has resisted participating in further negotiations with North Korea, citing its persistent violations of international sanctions. Despite this, the American government has maintained its commitment to a peaceful resolution in the region.
Conclusion of North Korea’s Portrayal of America
North Korea has gone out of its way to portray the United States in a negative light, using various methods and techniques to spread its propaganda. This has had an effect on both the public opinion of the US, as well as on international politics. American policy has , in turn, been one of containment and sanctions, with a reluctance to engage in diplomatic dialogue. Nonetheless, the past few years have seen a period of relative peace between the two countries, despite the hostile rhetoric from both sides.
