Worldwide Perception of North Korea’s Military
In the modern world of advanced technology, North Korea’s military might often seems neglected. Some estimates rank North Korea as the 13th most powerful military force worldwide, with many thought-leaders claiming the country is a wild card relatively unpredictable with its vast military arsenal. Many historians and analysts agree that for such a small country, North Korea is able to pose a threat on a global scale.
North Korea’s military power is widely believed to be in part credited to its sheer size in terms of troop numbers. It is estimated North Korea has around 1.2 million servicemen and women, many of whom are dedicated to the defense of the country and its interests. Additionally, North Korea has large amounts of tanks and artillery, many of which are outdated but still notable in terms of precision and modern military techniques.
This impressive, though often neglected, military force has caused experts to speculate on the country’s capability, beyond its regional foes South Korea and Japan, to state actors like the United States and its allies. North Korea’s nuclear program and its ballistic missile capability has been the instrument of much concern. The country is believed to possess anywhere from 60 to 100 warheads, as well as a long-range missile capability with the related threatening implications for the West.
What is even more concerning for many across the globe is the country’s opacity and secrecy. Little is known about the military’s capabilities, other than what is said by Pyongyang, and the opinions of experts. This is a major security concern for the United States in particular, as the country and its allies face a possible full-blown conflict with an isolated and isolated nation that shares a border with powerful China.
North Korea’s War Strategy
North Korea’s military strategy is believed to be based on the concept of “Songun”, which translates to “Military First”. This policy has been in place since the 1970s and is the basis of North Korea’s military operations. It is designed to embody the leadership’s commitment to the preservation of the country, through a strong and well-equipped military.
In practice, this means the military is provided with the highest quality and best possible resources available. This includes an expansive domestic armament industry and a strong intelligence service with a dedicated espionage apparatus. According to experts, North Korea’s army exceeds the size of South Korea’s and is backed by nuclear weapons and other unconventional capabilities.
However, doubt still remains about North Korea’s ability to successfully engage in full-scale war against the United States or its allies. This is due to the country’s economic challenges and outdated military technology. These challenges are thought to add to the insecurity of the Korean peninsula, knowing that the country may not exploit its military power to its full potential.
North Korea’s Military Expenditure
Despite its internal economic challenges, North Korea is believed to devote a disproportionate amount of its GDP to defense. It is estimated that the country dedicates around 25 percent of its GDP to military expenditure, while its neighbor South Korea only spends around 10 percent. This has enabled North Korea to obtain and maintain a larger-than-usual military force.
Unsurprisingly, North Korea’s military expenditure is one of the highest in the world. In fact, the country is the 10th largest spender on defense of the 134 countries which spent over $1 billion on military expenditure in 2019. What’s even more surprising is that its neighbor South Korea is not even among the top 15.
Further, the country’s military budget is expected to significantly increase in the coming years as the nation is believed to be working on modernizing its nuclear weapons as well as conventional weapons as well. This increase in military expenditure worries many experts about the long-term impact on peace and security in the region.
Expert Reaction to North Korea’s Military Power and Expenditure
Experts from around the world have reacted to North Korea’s military power and the country’s decision to allocate a large portion of its GDP towards defense. Some of these came from the International Institute of Strategic Studies, claiming North Korea is highly militarized compared to other nations.
Other experts, such as Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute, suggest that North Korea’s reliance on nuclear and military power as a deterrent and security guarantee is a strategy that could work against the United States and its allies in the region and beyond.
Lastly, some economists and political commentators have suggested that North Korea is investing too much in military spending, leading to economic stagnation. As such, the country can no longer afford to invest in other projects, such as infrastructure and social services, leading to a population that is suffering economically.
South Korea’s Military Strength in Comparison
When comparing the military power of North Korea to its neighbor South Korea, many experts suggest that North Korea holds an upper hand in the number of troops and deployed forces. South Korea, however, holds an immense advantage when it comes to modern equipment, including tanks and fighter jets.
Despite being an ally of the United States, South Korea currently only has a $44.9 billion military budget compared to North Korea’s higher military spending. This along with the fact that South Korea has very little in terms of nuclear weapons, puts the country at a serious disadvantage when it comes to possible conflict.
Regardless, South Korea is a heavily fortified country with a capable military, backed by the United States. Though in a direct conflict, the country is outweighed by its neighbor with regards to both men and weapons.
China’s Role in North Korea’s Military Strength
Though North Korea is a largely isolated country with few allies, the nation does have one major partner in the region – China. China has proved to be a strong supporter of the North Korean regime, both financially and politically. It is estimated that China supplies nearly 85 percent of its entire energy needs, including fuel, and accounts for 90 percent of its total trade.
Further, China is believed to have supplied the North Korean military with sophisticated weapons and advanced military technology. This has enabled North Korea to counter the military power of South Korea and its allies, largely preserving the status quo.
Motivation Behind North Korea’s Military Strength
North Korea’s motivation for maintaining a strong military is mostly due to its view of South Korea as a potential aggressor and its preference to remain self-reliant and isolated. The country has a long history of conflict and violence, with the Korean War being a major source of the country’s post-war security policy.
Furthermore, North Korea’s devotion to Songun and its belief in a powerful military as the primary means of ensuring the country’s security have caused the country to allocate large amounts of its budget and resources towards defense and the military.
Conclusion
North Korea’s military is one of the largest and most powerful in the world, and the country’s military expenditure is among the highest. This military power is mostly credited to the country’s enormous troop numbers and a strong espionage apparatus. Furthermore, North Korea holds a major advantage over its neighbor South Korea in terms of available manpower and weapons.
Despite the country’s impressive military capabilities and its heavy reliance on nuclear and military power, experts remain uncertain of the country’s full potential and capabilities. This is largely due to the country’s opacity and secrecy and its reliance on outdated military technology. Additionally, North Korea also enjoys the support of its ally China, which helps to supply the country with both fuel and military technology.
Overall, North Korea’s military has been proven to be a formidable force in the region and the world, despite current economic challenges and outdated military technology.
