The long and complicated history of North Korea has been dominated by a legacy of totalitarian rule and oppression, making it the world’s last Stalinist state. The nation declared itself a dictatorship in 1948 but it wasn’t until its leader Kim Il-sung’s death in 1994 that the power of the state was completely entrenched into the political structures and institutions of the country.
North Korea’s conversion to a one-party dictatorship began in 1948 when it was founded as a state led by Kim Il-sung, who had been influenced by Soviet Union politics during WWII. This was followed by a series of moves towards Marxist-Leninist principles of rule, including the adoption of a new constitution in 1972.
In 1975, Kim Il-sung’s son, Kim Jong-il, succeeded him as leader and his rule began the period known as the “Second Generation of Totalitarianism” in North Korea. During this time, North Korea’s economy was heavily centralised and entire sections of the population, such as the intelligentsia, were targeted with political oppression, censorship and torture.
By the mid-1980s, North Korea as a state was virtually unrecognisable when compared to the nation it had been only a few decades previous. The government had taken total control over the media, using it to push their political agenda and had created a strict surveillance system in order to monitor their citizens. All opposition was ruthlessly suppressed and the enforcement of loyalty through fear became the pattern of life in the state.
Since the 1980s, North Korea has remained almost static in its totalitarian rule, made up of a combination of oppressive measures such as forced displacement, internment camps and forced compliance with the mandate of the ruling government, all aimed at maintaining state control over the population.
The recent death of Kim Jong-il does, however, provide a chance for North Korea to ease up on the totalitarian rule that has been in place for decades. Political experts agree that the death of Kim Jong-il may be the catalyst for real and notable change, with the North Korean people being given a chance to live in a freer and more liberal society.
Kim Il-sung’s Influence
The late Kim Il-sung had a profound influence on North Korea’s conversion to a one-party dictatorship, having risen to the leadership during the turbulent and chaotic period of post-war reconstruction in 1948. Under his rule, North Korea adopted Marxist-Leninist principles and rationalized a planned economy. He also set about implementing a ruthless campaign of political repression that was designed to root out any sign of opposition.
His rule also led to the country’s total isolation from the rest of the world. All diplomatic and trade links outside of North Korea were severed and his aggressive stance towards South Korea led to numerous military conflicts. His death in 1994 marked the end of an era and, with it, the formal transition of North Korea into an autocratic state.
Centralisation Of power
The centralisation of power in North Korea during the Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il eras has been particularly effective at maintaining the nation’s Stalinist rule. All power is concentrated into the hands of the ruling elite and dissent or protest is met with severe punishment. This has been reinforced by the state’s tight media control and censorship, which limits citizens’ access to any outside information or influence.
The education system has also been subject to the heavy influence of the state, with schools focusing their teaching on creating a generation of blindly loyal citizens. This has also been aided by the extensive propaganda campaigns used by the North Korean government to foster loyalty and weaken resistance to their rule.
Effect Of Totalitarian Rule
The oppressive rule of North Korea has had dire consequences for its people. Political oppression, torture, malnutrition and censorship are commonplace and the economy has languished under the lack of political and social freedom. There is no free press and citizens have no access to information about the outside world, resulting in an impoverished nation that lacks the resources to provide for its people.
Opposition to North Korea’s totalitarian rule has been met with severe reprisals and international attempts to pressurise the nation into reforming its human rights policies have had little success. The people of North Korea live in fear of being arrested or sent to prison or labour camps for breaking the law, or even simply for questioning the government’s authority.
The Chance For Change
The death of Kim Jong-il has presented a chance for the North Korean people to experience hope and a new possibility of change. Despite the fear of oppression, there is a possibility that a new leader could take the nation in a different direction and reduce the level of totalitarian rule.
International observers and human-rights organisations alike are hopeful that perhaps North Korea’s new leadership will prove to bring a more progressive and open-minded approach to government, leading to increased civil liberties and improved living conditions for its citizens.
International Support
International pressure could have a direct effect on North Korea’s totalitarian rule. Since the Kim Jong-il’s death, the international community has signalled its readiness to support a more open North Korean regime. The UN has called on North Korea to begin to respect the human rights of its citizens while the US has pledged its Ongoing support to the North Korean people, as well as its willingness to resume direct talks with the new regime.
There is a sense of cautious optimism within many international circles that the new leadership could provide the opportunity for liberal reform, leading to increased civil liberties and improved economic prospects for North Korea’s citizens.
Economic Struggles
The totalitarian rule of North Korea has had severe consequences for the nation’s economy. Political oppression, censorship and the lack of outside influence have crippled the nation’s attempts to open up and diversify its economy. The lack of reform has created an economy that is heavy reliant on aid and trade with neighbouring China.
This has had a devastating effect on the North Korean people, with malnutrition, poverty and food shortages commonplace throughout the nation. The lack of reform also means that citizens are unable to take advantage of the new global economy, with trade, investment and travel all severely restricted.
Reform Prospects
As North Korea enters the post-Kim Jong-il era, reform prospects for the nation have increased. International observers and foreign governments have expressed their readiness to support an open and progressive North Korean regime and there is hope that a new leader may be willing to embrace the reforms and liberalise the government.
However, any reform that succeeds must also address the economic and social difficulties faced by the North Korean people. Significant economic and political reforms are needed in order to open up the nation to trade, investment and travel.
North Korea’s totalitarian rule has been a major barrier to progress and it may take many years for the nation to catch up with the rest of the world. The outcome of the nation’s transition will have major implications for the international community and it is crucial that the new leadership embraces and supports the reforms needed to build a more successful and prosperous nation in the future.
