Recent news of increased North Korea sanctions has caused much apprehension and confusion around the world. Yet, with many rumors still floating in the ether, both experts and curious onlookers all seek to truly understand, what are the new North Korea sanctions?
The recent uptick in the sanctions is a response to the stepped-up nuclear tests and missile launches performed by North Korea in the last several months.These tests had been met with warnings and condemnation from the United States, China, South Korea and the rest of the United Nations Security Council.
The new round of sanctions is very clear in their purpose, weaken technological advancement and will hopefully prevent future nuclear and missile tests by the North Korean government.The resolution was passed by the United Nations Security Council unanimously, a rarity in today’s international stage, showing the international consensus of this step.
A particular aspect of the sanctions is the eminent financial isolation of the North Korean state.The new resolution includes a ban on exports and industrial products including coal, iron, iron ore, lead, and seafood resulting in suspension of over $800 million in imports, and freezing of over $500 million in assets.
The sanctions will also include the travel of North Korean workers employed in foreign countries, currently totalling to over 100,000.These workers generally send over $500 million each year to the North Korean government and that money is responsible for subsidizing much of the North Korean economy.
A proposed embargo on oil and gas has been delayed as other countries discussed specifics.The wording of the proposal was in question and caused debate between countries due to their various interests involved in the situation.
The effect of the sanctions have caused worry for the future of a state that does not have the economic agility to keep up with the rising economic prowess of its enemies. Moreover, the current state of affairs have created a relatively peaceful circumvention of a perhaps more catastrophic outcome.By using diplomacy to temper the actions of North Korea, the government in power is slowly strangled and at one point, a different power structure may be obtainable.
The Immediate Impact
The mere passing of the sanctions has already had an effect even before its approval in resolution form by the United Nations Security Council.Chinese oil exports to North Korea decreased by 79.2% in June along with a 39.2% decrease in the imports of other goods such as edible oils, metallic items, and automobiles.
The South Korean government has stated, that if the new round of sanctions are enforced the North Korean export earnings could go down by a third. North Korea primarily exports coal, seafood, iron and iron ore for much of its income and the sanctions have taken each of those sources away.
Furthermore, the constant threat of additional and increasingly sever sanctions, as proposed by the United States, has created an immense amount of pressure and worries for the North Korean government and it’s citizens.The possibility of an embargo on oil and gas, a staple for the production of electricity, could spell disaster for the citizens and create a man-made famine in the region.
The trepidation of these earlier sanctions have already cut into the imports of food and steel reinforcements. Two vital aspects of the daily lives of North Koreans.
The North Korean Perspective
As expected, the North Korean government has responded vehemently against the sanctions, calling it a “violent infringement’’ and “heinous provocative act” against their government.
China, and Russia have both stated that the sanctions should not be too severe and have advised against an oil embargo. China supplies around 92% of North Korea’s oil and raw materials, so much of their views are based on the effects the embargo will have on that relationship.
The North Korean perspective is primarily rooted in their distrust of the United State’s’ intentions in the region.They largely reject the use of military force against them while citing their efforts to create and maintain regional peace.However, with the extensive military build-up in South Korea, and the increasing rhetoric from the United States, it would seem difficult to negotiate and act in good faith.
Regardless, the North Korean government has continuously written letters to the UN Security Council, condemning the sanctions and stressing the need for dialogue and negotiations.
Isolation and Prosperity
The new sanctions have proven far-reaching and have spell a mainly troubled future for the small nation.However, only time will tell what the effects of these round of new sanctions will have in the long-term.
Dr. Victor Cha, a former US official, during the 2006 US Office of the Director of National Intelligence setup, under the George W. Bush government, believes that the current state of isolation in North Korea tends to affect the people generally. So, while sanctions may strengthen the government directly, it simultaneously harms the people in the short term.
The lack of an economically viable solution, along with the recent rise in sanctions, has caused many experts to fear a possible civil uprisings.The lack of food, electricity, and basic civil rights are still rampant in North Korea, with limited access to information leaving the North Korean populous disenchanted and increasingly desperate.
The threat of further sanctions — an oil and natural gas embargo — would bring these issues to the foreground and exacerbate the starvation and poverty in the region.It would be a recipe for disaster and it is why many countries are opting for diplomacy in the hope of achieving a peaceful resolution.
The Future of North Korea Sanctions
Only time will tell what the full effects of the new sanctions on North Korea would be.However, one thing is for certain, the new sanctions are the strongest on North Korea in decades.But will these new sanctions be able to bring about the desired effect? This is the question that remains on the minds of many.
Experts agree that the sanctions will not cause the North Korean government to capitulate, instead the calculation of the North Korean government will remain focused on its nuclear program and achieving their goal of having the capability of hitting major US cities with a nuclear weapon.
Furthermore, with North Koreans in isolation, the North Korean people may grow desensitized and start to accept the reality of their circumstances. There are already reports of North Korea engagement with its citizens to earn more “loyalty points”. Such point systems, offer rewards such as “luxury gifts”, in exchange for loyalty and obedience to the North Korean government. This is part of a larger government scheme to become more secure from dismissal.
This type of engagement schemes is particularly encouraging because it guarantees greater control over the people. The North Korean people, isolated from the outside world, have turned a blind eye on the military and economic struggles of the state, in favor of loyalty and security.
The Effects On The Region
The new round of sanctions has had a huge economic ripple effect in the region, as both China and South Korea feel pressure due to their proximity to North Korea.The threats of war, the increasing missile testing and the military development of the North Korean state, is worrisome for South Korean citizens.
The South Korean economy bounced back after the initial shock of the sanctions, but this sense of calm is eroding, as reports and images of the North Korean state become increasingly common, causing the South Korean government to deploy more defense equipment and troops to the border region.
The recent imposition of more sanctions has had an even greater effect on the Chinese economy, creating a large financial burden due to North Korea’s dependence on Chinese exports. Primarily, their oil and raw materials.
Due to the sudden decrease in exports, and a sense of pessimism in the market, Chinese stocks have had a pronounced effect in the weeks following the announcement of the sanctions.
The United States, has reassured China that they would be willing to help mitigate any losses and promised to help open markets if the sanctions pass.However, they have also warned that they would respond if North Korea continues its nuclear threats.
International Show Of Strength
The new United Nations Security Council sanctions show a united and strong front in today’s current complicated political international climate. It signals to the international community that communication and diplomatic action are vital when dealing with a delicate issue such as a dysfunctional nation, with a seemingly powerful and unscrupulous government.
Moreover, it shows the world that the use of military actions or the threat of using military actions is not always the best or the most effective way to resolve a conflict, thus providing a pathway for other countries to take when met with similar challenges.
The sanctions have been met with staunch criticism from North Korea, and the fear of military action has cropped up in the international media.However, North Korea’s recent abandonment of missile testing has created an optimistic tone, where some say that the sanctions may be having a deterrent effect.
The last several months have of increased rocket tests and military provocations were concerning indeed, but ultimately the steps taken by the United Nations Security Council have had a positive in calming down what could be a volatile situation.
Taking Stock of the Situation
How much the new sanctions will alter the current geopolitical landscape remains to be seen.Ultimately, the past actions from North Korea have caused these recent sanctions, as a response of discontent from the international community.The importance of these sanctions is in the fact that it shows a unified front.
The problem of North Korea is complex, with no easy solution in sight. It has been an issue for decades and many decades of sanctions have been tried, with little to no change in the North Korean regime nature.
Nevertheless, the new round of sanctions still serve an important purpose, that of showing strength in numbers and setting an example for other potential rogue nations.Hopefully, with more diplomatic and economic pressure, North Korea can come to its senses and create a more peaceful and prosperous future.
