The Socialist Democratic Republic of North Korea is a constitutionally-structured authoritarian state. By some standards this makes North Korea a one-party system, as the Labour Party is in power. North Korea is, however, an easily recognizable form of government, that of a totalitarian state. It exercises absolute control over all aspects of life and employs a powerful security apparatus, including a standing military and the military-controlled political network and the National Security Agency. The government system in North Korea is centered around the supreme leader called the “Great Leader,” currently Kim Jong-un. The North Korean government structure is based on a system of command and obedience. There is no room for public input and opinions that go against the will of the leader are suppressed.
One of the most significant features of North Korea’s government system is the cult of personality revolving around the leader. This is used to help secure Kim’s legitimacy as the leader and to create a sense of national unity. This is further reflected in the government’s absolute control of the media, and the extremely low levels of internet and mobile penetration which prevent access to information perceived as hostile to the regime and limits the possibility of independent communication.
The government employs a variety of methods to maintain public order and loyalty. These include censorship of media and education programs, as well as a system of workplace and educational advancements based on political loyalty. The highest legal position is the head of state or “Supreme Leader”. This position is responsible for all executive decisions, and is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The country is heavily militarized and the military is used to maintain control both within the country and abroad.
The government system in North Korea is authoritarian to the degree that it retains the psychology of a police state. The entire country operates under the umbrella of the Worker’s Party, which controls all branches and levels of the government. Decisions are made from the top down, and the nation’s activities are held together by a pervasive surveillance network and harsh penal code. People are encouraged to report any perceived malfeasance and criticism of the government is strongly discouraged.
Military spending is extremely high and very efficient in North Korea. The country’s economic plan is heavily focused on military-related activities and so the military gets the resources it needs. Deputy commanders are sometimes placed in charge of economic enterprises in order to further maximize the military’s resources.
The North Korean government system is also marked by its relative isolation from international influences. This has been a helpful factor in keeping it stable and limiting changes in its political system. International sanctions, however, have had an effect on its economy. The nation is increasingly being affected by the globalization of the world economy, though its government has attempted to restrict the possible negative effects of these changes.
Public Participation
Public participation in North Korea’s government system is limited. The government severely restricts freedom of expression and discourages criticism of any kind. Independent political dialogue is overwhelmingly prohibited, and public gatherings are routinely controlled by the government. Dissent is not tolerated and criticism of the government can be considered treason, punishable by up to life imprisonment or even death.
The economy is highly regulated, and the government dominates many of the country’s industries. As such, private initiatives and work-based incentives are heavily discouraged, leaving citizens with little opportunity to influence policy. The state also maintains a strict control over the flow of information and restricts access to any information deemed to be politically sensitive.
The government largely relies on propaganda to sway public opinion. This includes the widespread use of billboards and loudspeakers to broadcast messages of loyalty to the regime and to its leader. This technique has been used successfully by the regime to encourage support for its policies and values throughout the nation.
North Korea did introduce limited market reforms allowing limited private ownership in the country in 2002. However, the scope of these reforms is limited and the government is backtracking on many them in light of the current economic crisis. This has significantly reduced the potential for public participation in government processes.
Human Rights
North Korean human rights violations are well-documented. Individuals and groups considered to be enemies of the regime are subject to harsh punishments including imprisonment, torture, and execution. The most well-known violations include arbitrary detention, torture and ill treatment in detention facilities, restrictions on freedom of movement and food deprivation.
Restrictions on freedom of association and assembly are commonly enforced. Media, communication and information are heavily controlled to the point of censorship. North Koreans also lack the right to practice their chosen religion without fear of retaliation and lack access to independent legal redress.
The International Criminal Court has accused North Korean leaders of crimes against humanity, including possible instances of genocide. North Korea’s treatment of defectors constitutes a crime against humanity and raises a serious violation of fundamental rights of those fleeing the country.
The government is also known for its active suppression of trade unions, forced labor camps, and tight control over the education system. In addition, North Korea is accused of human trafficking for forced marriage and labor purposes, as well as for the sale and purchase of organs, such as kidneys.
North Korea systematically denies access to the UN Human Rights Council and this has been the norm since North Korea’s accession to the UN in 1991. In response, the UN General Assembly has adopted several resolutions condemning the country’s human rights situation.
Economic System
North Korea’s economic system is based largely on a defensive policy of autarky. The country’s economy is heavily reliant on the military and other strategically important industries. It is a centrally planned economy and the government plays an important role in its operations. It directs and controls production, allocation of resources, and other activities of the economy.
The government sets and enforces the prices on basic necessities, and the value of the country’s currency is highly regulated. In addition, the government heavily subsidizes food and fuel costs. Development projects, such as hydroelectric and energy projects, undergo extensive planning and oversight from the state.
The country also has abundant natural resources, such as coal and iron ore, as well as valuable minerals, such as gold and uranium. Economic activity is mainly concentrated in the agricultural and military sectors. Tourism, though limited in scope, is a growing source of revenue for the government.
The government has also been implementing a Chinese-style market reform program since 2002. The program is designed to improve agricultural production by allowing small-scale private ownership of land, as well as the buying and selling of goods and services. This has helped drive some reforms, such as the establishment of a limited banking system.
North Korea has one of the lowest human development indexes, largely due to its limited access to developed international markets. This has resulted in significant economic problems, including hyperinflation, food shortages and a shortage of foreign exchange reserves. In addition, international sanctions have further exacerbated economic issues and have limited the country’s access to foreign aid.
International Relations
North Korea has a complex relationship with the international community, and this has been a major factor in its government system and economic system. The country’s relations with the United States, South Korea, and other countries have fluctuated over time, often in unpredictable ways.
North Korea has been an isolated state for many years and its international relations have been mostly focused around security issues. The country’s relationship with the U.S. is particularly strained, and tensions have heightened further in recent years due to North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.
The government has been generally hostile towards international organizations and foreign countries, and has worked to maintain its isolation in order to consolidate control over its people, resources and economy. The government’s stance on international issues is further evident in its reluctance to participate in international forums and its refusal to allow foreign NGO’s to operate in the country.
North Korea’s foreign policy is primarily dictated by the agenda of Kim Jong-un and the Worker’s Party. Its relations with China, South Korea and Japan remain tense and unpredictable. North Korea has sought to improve its international standing, however, by offering some concessions such as its 2011 moratorium on nuclear and missile tests, as well as its invitation to representatives of the United Nations in 2018.
Recently, a number of events, including high-level meetings with U.S. leaders, have led to improved relations between North Korea and the international community. This has been largely seen as a result of the country’s effort to find a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue, which has been the source of much international tension.
Current Status
North Korea’s government system remains an authoritarian one-party state. The government is still led by Kim Jong-un and the Worker’s Party, and there is still little room for public participation or dissent. The government continues to pose a threat to regional security and stability due to its nuclear weapons program and its defiance of international law.
The economy remains highly regulated and centralized, and economic development is tightly controlled by the government. This has resulted in limited economic growth and chronic food and fuel shortages. Human rights abuses remain endemic, and the international community’s efforts to address them have had little effect.
North Korea’s relationship with the international community remains strained, though this could change in the future with increased diplomatic efforts. North Korea remains a country of immense complexity and uncertainty, and its system of government continues to be a source of fascination and debate.
