Economic Struggles
North Korea has experienced economic hardship in recent times as a result of international economic sanctions imposed on the country. In particular, these sanctions have hindered the nation’s access to international financial systems, its ability to import fuel, and its foreign trade. This has had a major impact on the country’s economic prosperity and has left many citizens struggling to subsist. According to a report by the World Bank, North Korea has had an average annual gross domestic product growth rate of negative 2.6 percent over the past five years, the lowest among countries in the East Asia and Pacific region. In addition, approximately 40 percent of the North Korean population is living in a state of food insecurity, with an estimated 10 million people facing food shortages.
In an effort to improve economic conditions, North Korea has sought to diversify its economy away from its reliance on China and by taking measures to increase agricultural production and promote light industry. The regime has also introduced economic reforms, such as the partial liberalisation of prices and wages, as well as the relaxation of constraints on foreign investment and private sector activity.
Despite these efforts, the tight restrictions on North Korea’s access to foreign technology, investment, and markets have meant that economic growth has been limited. As a result, the North Korean economy remains heavily reliant on China, and is still largely reliant on foreign assistance from the UN and other international organisations.
Military Activities
In recent months, North Korea has conducted a series of military exercises and tests that have increased tensions in the region. In March 2019, North Korea conducted a series of short-range missile launches and carried out its fifth nuclear test, despite repeated warnings from the United Nations and international community.
These activities have been viewed as a direct challenge to US President Donald Trump’s policy of maximum pressure and offer of negotiations with Pyongyang. In particular, the military exercises and tests have been seen as an attempt by North Korea to strengthen its leverage and demonstrate its willingness to use military force if necessary.
While the US and other countries have condemned North Korea’s actions, the regime continues to pursue a policy of military build-up and expand its nuclear weapons capability. As a result, the UN Security Council has tightened sanctions against North Korea, and the US has imposed additional unilateral sanctions.
Diplomatic Reengagement
Amidst the tensions, North Korea has recently sought to engage in diplomatic dialogue with the international community and initiate talks between the United States and South Korea. In April 2018, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and held three summit talks. This was followed by a historic meeting between Kim and US President Donald Trump in June 2018, when the two leaders pledged to work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
The North Korean government has also taken steps to engage in diplomacy with other nations in the region, such as China and Japan. In particular, Kim has held multiple talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in an effort to de-escalate tensions and engage in meaningful dialogue.
These diplomatic efforts have been met with strong support from the international community, as many nations are seeking to avoid a recourse to military conflict. However, there have yet to be any major breakthroughs in resolving differences between the US and North Korea and developing a road map for a comprehensive denuclearisation plan.
Human Rights Situation
Despite the recent diplomatic overtures, North Korea remains one of the most oppressive and authoritarian nations in the world. Human rights violations in the country are widespread, with the government subjecting its citizens to the worst forms of repression.
According to the UN, North Korea is responsible for serious abuses including arbitrary arrest and detention, torture, forced labour, and inhumane treatment of prisoners. Furthermore, the government has a long record of suppressing freedom of expression and opinion, with mass surveillance and monitoring of its citizens’ activities, as well as censorship and crackdowns on dissent.
The situation of human rights in North Korea has been described as ‘critical’ by the UN and is seen by many as an impediment to any meaningful progress in talks with the international community. In addition, North Korea continues to deny access to UN human rights monitors, making it difficult to assess the situation in any detail.
International Relations
North Korea has long been isolated from the international community due to its politically and economically risky behaviour. As a result, the country has been denied access to the global financial system and foreign trade, limiting its ability to export its products and acquire foreign currency.
Recently, North Korean authorities have sought to improve international relations in the region, in particular with its neighbouring countries. In particular, Kim Jong Un has held talks with the leaders of South Korea, China, and Japan in an effort to improve ties with these countries and reduce political tensions.
However, tensions with the United States remain high. The US continues to impose sanctions on North Korea, in an effort to persuade the regime to give up its nuclear weapons development program. At the same time, the Trump administration has indicated that it is willing to hold talks with North Korea if Pyongyang is willing to denuclearise.
Domestic Political Situation
North Korea is a single-party state under the rule of the Kim family. The annual party congress, held in April 2019, approved amendments to the country’s constitution which further consolidated the power of the Kim family. In particular, the amendments included a clause which states that the President (Kim Jong-un) of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) will be the Supreme Leader of the country.
In addition to this, the party congress also approved a new economic plan which seeks to strengthen the nation’s economy and ensure economic self-reliance. As part of the plan, the government has promised to promote ‘scientific and technology-based economic development’, as well as reduce the role of market forces in its economy.
Despite the isolation from the international community, North Korea continues to maintain a high level of political control over its citizens. The government restricts freedom of expression and opinion, as well as access to information and other basic rights, and the regime suppresses any form of dissent.
Domestic Social Situation
In recent years, North Korea has taken some steps to improve the living conditions of its citizens. The government has introduced a range of welfare measures, such as providing free education and healthcare, and has also taken measures to address food insecurity in the country.
However, despite these efforts, the government has yet to fully address the social and economic issues facing its citizens. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate in North Korea remains high, with around 40 percent of the population living below the poverty line. In addition, access to basic services remains limited, and low levels of economic development continue to limit opportunities for citizens.
Moreover, the social climate in North Korea remains oppressive, with the government limiting freedom of expression and opinion, as well as restricting access to information and the media. Furthermore, the regime continues to use systematic propaganda and surveillance to control the population.
Cultural Norms
North Korea has a strong tradition of Confucianism, which is seen as the basis of its political and social structure. The Confucian value system has been incorporated into North Korean society, and has been used by the government to promote obedience, conformity, and reverence for the state.
In recent years, North Korea has also sought to promote its cultural heritage, in particular the traditional Korean dance, music, and art, as a way of garnering support for the regime. The government has sponsored music and art festivals, and has allowed foreign films and television shows to be shown in cinemas and on television, as a way of promoting its culture.
Despite the government’s efforts to promote culture, access to foreign films, music and literature is still heavily restricted. Furthermore, the government still has a policy of censorship, with any form of political or social dissent severely punished.
Economy and Sanctions
North Korea continues to face economic sanctions imposed by the United Nations, the United States, and many other countries in the region. These sanctions have impacted the country’s access to foreign trade and have resulted in severe economic hardship for its citizens.
In response, North Korea has sought to diversify its economy away from its reliance on China and by taking measures to increase agricultural production and promote light industry. However, the tight restrictions on North Korea’s access to foreign technology, investment, and markets, as well as the UN sanctions, have meant that economic growth has been limited.
In addition, the sanctions have hampered North Korea’s access to international financial systems, its ability to import fuel, and its ability to export products. As a result, the North Korean economy remains heavily reliant on China and is still largely reliant on foreign assistance from the UN and other international organisations.
