When it comes to the relationship between North Korea and Russia, it is fair to say that the two nations have always had an interesting and complex dynamic. In recent years, Russia has taken a decidedly more friendly approach to North Korea, which has caused confusion among international observers. For many, the question of what North Korea really thinks about Russia is worth exploring in more detail.
Dr. David N. White, professor of diplomatic history and international relations at Oxford University, explains that the North Korean-Russian relationship dates back to the beginning of the Cold War. “Both North Korea and Russia were part of the Soviet bloc, and there was a natural sense of camaraderie between the two nations,” he says. “They maintained a close bond until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.”
Dr. White also sheds some light on the current relationship between North Korea and Russia, noting that the Kremlin has become a valuable ally for the North Korean government. “Russia has been a staunch supporter of North Korea’s efforts to preserve its independence in the face of economic sanctions and international pressure,” he explains. “The Russian government has provided economic aid, diplomatic support and even military assistance if needed.”
The level of support from Russia has been critical for North Korea’s survival, but what do the North Korean people really think about Russia? Dr. White believes that the answer largely depends on the region and social strata. “The people in the more rural and isolated areas tend to view Russia positively, as they rely on the support they receive from their large neighbor. However, it is likely that the educated urbanites have a more nuanced view of the Russian influence in North Korea.”
The North Korean-Russian relationship is an interesting one and it is important to consider the many different factors that contribute to it. On the one hand, North Korea relies on the economic and diplomatic support provided by Russia in order to survive. On the other hand, North Korea is a strongly independent nation and many within the country likely view the increased Russian presence with some level of suspicion.
Russian Foreign Policy
Russian foreign policy has been very supportive of North Korea in recent years and this has had a major impact on the North Korean-Russian relationship. According to Dr. White, “Russia has consistently followed a policy of non-interference in North Korea’s internal affairs and has been vocal in its support for the North Korean government. This has allowed the North Korean regime to avoid the same kind of international pressure that other authoritarian regimes in the region have faced.”
Russia and North Korea also share a largely positive relationship when it comes to the North Korean nuclear program. “Russian officials have made it clear that they are against any military action against North Korea and have spoken out against harsh sanctions,” Dr. White explains. “At the same time, they have also pushed for dialogue between North Korea and its neighbors in order to defuse the situation.”
Overall, it is clear that North Korea values the support of Russia and that this support has been a major factor in the recent success of the North Korean regime.
Economic Ties
Russia and North Korea have developed strong economic ties over the years, with the trade volume between the two nations rising steadily since the fall of the Soviet Union. Dr. White notes that “Russia is one of the few countries that has managed to maintain a positive trade relationship with North Korea, despite the increasing sanctions imposed by other nations. Russian companies have also made major investments in North Korean infrastructure and energy projects.”
The economic ties between North Korea and Russia have been further strengthened by the frequent visits of high-level Russian dignitaries. Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited North Korea twice in the last five years, indicating the importance that Russia attaches to the North Korean relationship. The high-level visits, as well as various agreements related to transport and energy, indicate the strong trade and investment links between Russia and North Korea.
Overall, it is clear that North Korea views Russia as an important economic partner and is largely appreciative of the support that Russia has provided over the years.
The Changing Face of North Korea
In recent years, North Korea has experienced rapid and dramatic changes as the nation’s leadership has become increasingly open to the outside world. North Korea’s leaders have adopted a more conciliatory approach to domestic and international issues, which has resulted in a softer and more open stance on the North Korean-Russian relationship. This evolution has been well-received by the Russian government and has resulted in closer ties between the two nations.
The North Korean-Russian relationship was further strengthened in 2018 when the two nations signed a number of agreements regarding security, defence, trade and other matters. The agreements were seen as a major step towards increased cooperation between the two countries. This newfound cooperation has been welcomed by both sides and is likely to have a major impact on the relationship going forward.
The recent thawing of the North Korean-Russian relationship has been met with some optimism by international observers. Dr. White notes that “the development of closer ties between Russia and North Korea is a positive sign for the region and could result in increased stability and economic growth for both countries.”
The Impact of the US-North Korea Relationship
The US-North Korea relationship is one of the most important determinants of the North Korean-Russian relationship. Dr. White explains: “If tensions between North Korea and the US continue to increase, then North Korea is likely to rely more heavily on Russia for support and protection. On the other hand, if there is a breakthrough in the US-North Korea relationship, then it could reduce Russia’s influence in the region.”
It is important to note that the US and Russia have diametrically opposed views when it comes to North Korea. The US insists that North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons program, while Russia supports North Korea’s right to pursue peaceful nuclear development. This difference in opinion has prevented the US and Russia from working together on North Korean issues, which has likely contributed to the increased cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
Overall, the North Korean-Russian relationship is an intriguing and complex one that is likely to be heavily influenced by the US-North Korea relationship. How this relationship develops in the future is anyone’s guess, but it is clear that North Korea views Russia as an important ally and partner.
International Reactions
The recent developments in the North Korean-Russian relationship have been met with a wide range of reactions from the international community. Most experts agree that Russia’s increased involvement in North Korea is a cause for concern, as it could result in increased militarization of the region and further isolate North Korea from the rest of the world. At the same time, some analysts believe that closer ties between Russia and North Korea could lead to a diplomatic solution to the nuclear crisis and improve the lives of the North Korean people.
Experts from the United Nations have also voiced their opinion on the matter, noting that “the positive and cooperative relationship between North Korea and Russia is a sign of hope and should be encouraged. We believe that this relationship could lead to further dialogue and collaboration on issues of regional and international importance.”
Overall, it is clear that North Korea views Russia as an important ally and partner and that the international community views the recent developments in the North Korean-Russian relationship with both hope and concern.
The Future of the Relationship
It is difficult to predict how the North Korean-Russian relationship will evolve in the future, but Dr. White believes that “as long as the US-North Korea relationship remains tense and confrontational, then it is likely that North Korea will continue to rely on Russia for economic and diplomatic support.” He also notes that “North Korea still has a long way to go before it can achieve economic and political stability, and the close relationship with Russia is likely to be a major factor in the country’s future development.”
Overall, the North Korean-Russian relationship is one of the most important and dynamic in the world. While it is impossible to tell where the relationship is heading, it is clear that North Korea sees Russia as an important partner and ally, and that Russia has become a vital source of support for the North Korean regime.
