Context of North Korea in International Affairs
North Korea, officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, is an isolated nation in East Asia that lies between China to the north and South Korea to the south. Although the nation is bordered by Russia to the northeast, it has no direct relationship with its neighbor given the hermetic political and economic environment. North Korea is one of the most controversial and secretive nations on the planet. Largely considered a dictatorship, the nation is governed by an authoritarian regime headed by supreme leader Kim Jong Un and maintained by a powerful military. The draconian control of the nation and its isolationist policies bring forth a tenuous relationship with world powers. North Korea has a long history of tension with the United States since the Korean War in the 1950s.
Where is North Korea in Relation to the US?
North Korea is located roughly 650 miles from the US shores and lies directly across the Sea of Japan. Despite being geographically distant, the relationship between the two countries is growing increasingly hostile. The US is North Korea’s primary international opponent, with the latter engaging in an international campaign for both economic and military might. This has put the US in a difficult spot, as it values the country’s nuclear weapons and ability to employ them and require international involvement to control the situation. As such, the US remains highly engaged in international diplomatic efforts to bring North Korea to the negotiating table.
Effects of North Korea on US Foreign Policy and Relations
North Korea remains a major foreign policy concern for the US, not just because of the issues directly affecting the nation, but also due to its effects on global relationships and values. For example, the US treats North Korea with great skepticism and mistrust due to the nation’s nuclear weapons program and the potential security threat it poses. The US has repeatedly stressed the importance of preventing nuclear proliferation and has attempted to use diplomatic means to curb North Korea’s quest for such weaponry, most recently through the United Nations Security Council. These efforts, while proving historically effective, are met with contempt by North Korea, forcing the US to remain culturally distant.
Economic Impact of North Korea to the US
Given the two countries’ strained relationship, North Korea’s economic impact on the US is negligible in direct terms. North Korea essentially operates isolated from international trade networks, with sanctions by the US and other international powers severely limiting its access to the global economy. This, coupled with severe political persecution of private industry, vastly limits Pyongyang’s ability to interact with the US economy. However, the impacts of North Korea’s economic performance reverberate through the international system, particularly economic markets and currency. This can be seen in fluctuations in both energy and commodities markets as geopolitical tensions rise and fall, especially given the severity of the situation.
Political Implications of North Korea to the US
The political implications of North Korea’s activities are far greater than the economic ones. There is the potential for the US and its allies to be drawn into a conflict with North Korea if there were to be a serious escalation of hostilities. In addition, the constant threat of North Korean military activity has forced the US to remain in a state of high readiness and alert, which, while having beneficial military outcomes, imposes significant costs on US taxpayers. Given the extreme political and military situation between the US and North Korea, it is almost certain that the US will remain firmly focused on the North Korean issue for the foreseeable future.
Legal Measures Implemented by the US
The US has taken a number of measures in its attempt to control North Korea’s advancements in weapons development, the most notable of which is the series of sanctions that have been imposed on the nation. The sanctions vary from financial to the specific trading of items and have had little to no effect on the nation’s progress. However, the US has taken a more progressive measure in passing the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act, which enables the US government to freeze the financial assets of any persons or organizations supporting North Korea’s nuclear program. This measure has ensured that no country can facilitate North Korea in its ambitions, which is essential in containing the nation.
International Intervention
Gaining support of the international community is key in bringing North Korea to the negotiating table, and the US has managed to gather attestation from many countries. In recent times, the US has coordinated several international missions specifically geared towards mechanisms to curb the North Korean Nuclear Program. The most significant is the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed by a large number of countries in 2015, which placed severe restrictions on the nation’s nuclear program and forces it to engage in regular inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency. This has served to reduce tensions significantly between the US and North Korea and is a key component of US foreign policy.
Sanctions and Humanitarian Efforts
The effects of the US-driven sanctions against North Korea are far-reaching, not only in regards to curbing the nation’s nuclear ambitions but also in its effects on the average citizen. The UN-imposed sanctions have caused deep economic disruption, to the point where there is a significant risk of a humanitarian crisis due to the nation’s lack of resources. This has prompted calls from international organizations, such as the UN, to make investments in critical sectors, such as health and food, to ensure the safety of the North Korean people. While the US has yet to act on such a proposal, it is currently being heavily discussed by policymakers.
US Relations with South Korea
The US-North Korean relationship is not the only factor in determining US foreign policy in the region. The US holds a close relationship with South Korea, with both the US and South Korea having a mutual defense treaty to protect each other from threats from North Korea. This has been put to the test several times, most notably during the 2018 Panmunjom Declaration, which saw both South and North Korea sign a peace treaty. The US was also a key partner of South Korea in the negotiations, and the US response to this development carries much weight.
Analysis and Prognosis
It is clear that the US still holds a great influence over North Korea’s actions, both asset freezing and the deployment of US forces in the Korean Peninsula. As North Korea continues to gain military power, the US will likely maintain its stance of containing the rogue state while attempting to contain the tensions and bring North Korea to the negotiating table. The US is also attempting to bring North Korea into the international community, but this will be a difficult task given the nation’s isolation and oppugnity to change. Ultimately, the US must walk a tightrope in terms of both keeping North Korea in check and attempting to solve the conflict diplomatically.
Diplomatic Action
The US has already taken numerous diplomatic actions to contain North Korea, and the US is also encouraging other nations to pursue a similar path as well. The US has urged China, North Korea’s closest ally, to pressure Pyongyang to be more open to diplomacy and to cease any nuclear activity. The US is also calling on nations to implement United Nations sanctions against the regime, and to fortify their own teams. In addition, the US is encouraging other nations to provide humanitarian aid to North Korea, as well as to engage in constructive talks with the government to reduce tensions.
Inter-Korean Relations
The US is also promoting and facilitating progress between South and North Korea. The US has, for decades, provided economic and military aid to both countries, as well as holding diplomatic talks to try and resolve the conflict. However, the recent negotiations between North and South Korea have been a major boon for the US, as it has allowed the US to remain at arm’s length while the two countries hammer out a deal. While the US remains a major backer of South Korea and is wary of North Korea’s actions, it is currently taking a backseat in the conflict, allowing the two nations to create their own peace.
Role of US Allies
The US is not alone in its containment of North Korea, as many international allies are also standing firm in their commitment to prevent North Korea from acquiring nuclear weapons. Several US allies, such as Japan, China, and South Korea, are still engaged in regular diplomatic talks with North Korea, and are providing a strong international presence to prevent any kind of unilateral action from Pyongyang. Several of these countries have also imposed heavy sanctions on trade with North Korea, and are trying to leverage economic and political pressure in an attempt to rein in the hermit-like nation.
Military Presence of the US
Perhaps the most visible form of antagonism between the US and North Korea is the ongoing war of words between the two nations. The US has also taken an aggressive stance towards North Korea, both militarily and politically, by conducting joint military exercises with South Korea in an attempt to deter the North Korean military forces. The US has also set up a number of missile defense systems around South Korea, designed to protect South Korean citizens from any potential North Korean warheads. Despite the tense relations between the two countries, the US continues to maintain a significant military presence near the Korean Peninsula in an effort to maintain peace and stability.
