History of Alliances
North Korea, officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has a long history of alliances with other countries as it has been an integral part of the international system of power since the nation’s regime was established in 1948. With its founding at the close of World War II, North Korea’s foreign policy leaned toward making its neighbors more friendly, often exchanging harsh rhetoric and threats of military force. In the early 1970s, North Korea signed a mutual defense treaty with China, a key ally in the Cold War. Later, in the 1980s, North Korea extended its alliance with China to the Soviet Union, forming the military bloc known as the “Invincible Alliance.” This alliance was dissolved in 1991 when the Soviet Union was dissolved, but it had provided North Korea a much needed sense of security in the intervening decades.
Present-day Alliances
Today, North Korea remains an isolated state and its economy and government are heavily dependent on allies. Its key ally is China, a country with which it has maintained strong ties since the 1950s. North Korea and China share a 3,400-kilometer long border, and again, China is the only source of military and technological support for Pyongyang. In addition to being heavily reliant on Chinese supplies, North Korea’s trade with and aid from Beijing runs in the hundreds of millions of dollars, much of which goes toward supporting the government’s nuclear weapons program.
In recent years, another key ally of North Korea has been Russia. Like China, Russia has provided military and technological support while also helping North Korea develop natural resources. North Korea and Russia share a 1,500-kilometer long border, and Russia’s role in North Korea’s development of digital infrastructure and armament has been growing since the 1970s.
Reasons for Alliances
While North Korea’s alliances with other nations have largely been motivated by security concerns, they have also been driven by a desire to build economic prosperity. North Korea has been heavily reliant on foreign aid since the fall of the Soviet Union, and this has meant that the regime has had to look elsewhere for allies. By aligning itself with China, Russia and other countries, North Korea has been able to generate resources for economic growth and to guarantee the survival of its political system.
It has also used its alliances to try to counter the influence of the United States. By forging relationships with countries such as China and Russia, North Korea has been able to take a stand against American aggression and to assert its presence in international affairs.
Impact on the Region
North Korea’s alliances with other countries have had a significant impact on the region. North Korea’s reliance on foreign aid has been a major cause of regional tensions, as other nations fear that Pyongyang will misuse this assistance. Additionally, the alliances have contributed to regional instability, as North Korea’s friends are often unwilling to condemn its military and human rights violations.
The alliances have also impacted regional trade. China and Russia are, to some extent, North Korea’s only sources of foreign currency, and this has meant that other countries in the region have been less able to participate in international trade.
International Reactions
North Korea’s alliances have been met with a degree of trepidation from other countries, especially from the United States. American diplomacy has long been focussed on reducing North Korea’s diplomatic and military ties to other nations and isolating Pyongyang in the international community.
However, the US has recently shifted its approach, seeking to engage North Korea in constructive dialogue through negotiations. This shift has resulted in the US softening its stance on North Korea’s alliances and has led to a recognition of their importance in finding a diplomatic solution to the issues facing the region.
Summary
North Korea’s alliances with other countries have provided the embattled regime with a much needed sense of security and economic growth. While North Korea’s reliance on foreign aid has caused regional tensions and instability, it has also been an important source of diplomatic progress and progress toward a peaceful resolution of the issues facing the region. Through its alliances, North Korea has been able to establish a presence in international affairs, counter American aggression and participate in international trade.
