Influence of North Korea in the World
North Korea is a long-standing rogue state, with an authoritarian single-party state and a highly centralized socialist economy. 2020 marks the 74th anniversary of North Korea’s independence from the Japanese occupation. Since then, the leader of North Korea has gone through three generations of Kim dynasty. Despite this, the country has remained isolated from the rest of the world for decades.
The main reason for North Korea’s isolation has been its conflict with South Korea. North Korea has always seen its southern neighbour as a puppet state of the United States, forcing its own policy of Juche (self reliance )on the Korean Peninsula. This policy has been particularly harsh, with restricted flow of information from the outside world and severe limits on individual expression.
At the same time, North Korea has sought to strengthen its international presence in other areas. It has been building ties with countries that share its views on political philosophy and its hostility to the United States. This has made the country a key player in the region, its views on regional and international issues have influenced the lives of its neighbours and its presence in international forums has been growing.
North Korea also has an active nuclear programme and it has tested multiple nuclear weapon designs as a show of military strength. The country is still committed to the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, although this has seen much resistance from the United Nations. North Korea is one of the few countries in the world that does not have diplomatic relations with the United States, though it does still trade with China.
Political System and Leadership
North Korea has a single-party state led by the Worker’s Party of Korea, which dominates all aspects of political life. Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un has held tight control since assuming power in 2011, and is known to be uncompromising on matters such as the country’s nuclear weapons programs.
North Korea’s government and executive power is structured into three entities: the National Defense Commission, the Central Committee of the Worker’s Party of Korea, and the Central Military Commission. These entities have the power to issue orders and provide guidance on the government’s policies and agenda.
The media in North Korea is strictly controlled, and the country operates a sophisticated propaganda machine. The state news agency, KCNA, provides a voice for the Supreme Leader, and all other media outlets broadcast the same pro-government message. Despite media censorship and the lack of internet access, everyday citizens are able to access foreign news sources, such as satellite television, smuggled-in films, foreign radio broadcasts, and USB sticks containing films, music and news.
Economy and livelihood
North Korea has a centrally planned economy, which is mainly reliant on military and agricultural production. The country’s economic system is strictly controlled, and relies on state administered prices and centralised distribution of goods. Inbound foreign investment is heavily restricted and the country’s financial system is largely condoned, leaving only the military and higher echelons of society with access to funds.
The country currently has a low standard of living, with most citizens living in poverty. Unemployment is high, and much of the population relies on the government for basic needs such as food and shelter. Private markets also exist in North Korea, and many citizens rely on them as a way to supplement their income.
Human Rights, Education and Healthcare
The human rights situation in North Korea is often cited as one of the worst in the world, with multiple reports of government-sponsored human rights abuses. The use of prison camps and the torture of political prisoners is well documented, whilst freedom of expression, access to education and freedom of movement is heavily restricted.
Education in North Korea is compulsory, although the overall quality of education is low. The education system is focused on the teachings of the supreme leader and emphasises the need to adhere to the state’s values. As such, there is a heavy presence of politically motivated curriculums, such as physical education, military training and ‘patriotic’ values.
Access to medical care is also limited in North Korea, with most medical treatments only available to those in the higher echelons of society. In general, medical facilities are few and far between, and equipment and medicines are in short supply.
International Relations
North Korea’s international relations have traditionally been difficult. Its relations with the United States, South Korea, and Japan are hostile and the United Nations has imposed a number of sanctions against the country in response to its nuclear weapons program and human rights abuses.
In recent years, however, North Korea has sought to engage in diplomacy, highlighting its position in the region and its desire for a seat at the negotiating table. North Korea has been engaging in talks with China and Russia on the subject of denuclearisation, as well as its membership in global structures such as the Non-Aligned Movement.
At the same time, North Korea has sought to develop its ties with countries that hold a similar worldview, such as Syria and Myanmar. These countries have become some of North Korea’s closest allies, with economic and diplomatic ties being extended to them.
Cultural Aspects
North Korean culture heavily revolves around the teachings of the Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-un. This includes an emphasis on loyalty, patriotism, respect for authority and adherence to tradition. There is an emphasis on collectivism, with many North Koreans believing that they are part of a greater whole.
North Korea is also a very traditional society, and its citizens do not shy away from celebrating cultural events such as the Lunar New Year, October Revolution Day and others. Religion is also respected, and North Korea is a predominantly Buddhist country.
North Korea is a deeply isolated country with a authoritarian governing system and a highly centralized economy. It has also been heavily criticized for its human rights abuses and lack of transparency. Despite these issues, the country has been able to remain independent and retain its own sense of sovereignty, and it continues to shape the geopolitical landscape in East Asia. What year is it North Korea? It is 2020, a year of transition and a year of continued defiance.
Military strength and Nuclear Weapons
North Korea is a heavily militarised state and has one of the strongest armies in the region. Its military strength is focused on the protection of its long borders, and this has been consistent throughout the three-generations of the Kim dynasty rule.
North Korea is also the only country in East Asia to possess a nuclear arsenal. The country has conducted multiple nuclear tests and has been modernising its nuclear capabilities in recent years. This has raised concerns, as North Korea is seen as a major regional threat.
The threat of North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction is further compounded by its hostility towards the United States and its allies. North Korea has often used these threats as a way to deter potential aggressors and as an exercise of its own sovereignty and power.
Trade and Resources
North Korea is also one of the few countries in the world that has maintained limited trading relations with other states. It has maintained close ties with China, with whom it trades a range of merchandise, including machinery, military equipment and coal, as well as minerals such as gold and iron ore.
North Korea has also sought to develop trading relations with other countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, which has been importing North Korean seafood for many years. North Korea also recently signed a Free Trade Agreement with the Russian Federation which is set to come into effect in 2021.
The country is also seen as an attractive destination for foreign investors, due to its rich natural resources and low labour costs. North Korea holds large reserves of minerals such as copper, zinc and iron ore, as well as being home to some of the world’s largest deposits of coal.
Tourism
Tourism in North Korea is heavily restricted, with visitors subject to strict regulations and spot checks. Only government-approved tour guides are allowed to operate in the country, and visitors are not allowed to take photographs or access certain areas of the country without permission.
Despite this, tourism remains an important source of income for the country, and there has been a recent surge in interest in the country amongst international travellers. This has been driven by the country’s unique history and culture, as well as its proximity to other East Asian countries such as China and South Korea.
North Korea is an attractive destination for travellers interested in experiencing a different culture and learning about its rich history. However, potential visitors should be aware of the restrictions imposed by the state and the potential risks of travelling to the country.
