Trade, Sanctions, and Access to Goods
International trade and the availability of goods to North Korea is severely restricted. North Korea’s lack of access to modern goods is due in part to its self-imposed isolation and its notoriously bad human rights record. N. Korea has been subject to United Nations (U.N.) sanctions since 2006 in an effort to pressure the government to stop its nuclear ambitions. These sanctions have included military and economic restrictions, travel bans, and limited access to goods and services.
However, despite these restrictions, North Korea has still been able to access some goods from its allies such as China and Russia. These goods have included technology for weapons, satellites, fuel, electronics, and other items. These goods have played a part in the country’s lack of access to modern electrical goods for its citizens.
Although the specific nature of the sanctions have varied over time, the U.N. has signed a near-total embargo on the import of electricity producing fixtures and equipment, such as light sockets, light bulbs, and related spare parts. This ban has been in place since 2009.
In addition to the international sanctions, North Korea has imposed its own national sanctions on its own population. These national sanctions include a ban on the use of computers, mobile phones, and other modern technologies, as well as strict limits on the free flow of information. These sanctions have been in place for decades and are the primary cause of the country’s lack of access to modern technologies such as electricity and the internet.
Infrastructure, Resources, and Power Supply
The availability of electricity in North Korea has also been a major issue. North Korea is highly reliant on its unreliable power grid, which is in disrepair due to lack of investment. The country’s decaying infrastructure also contributes to its lack of electricity access. For example, North Korea is estimated to have only half the manufacturing capacity of South Korea.
The country’s electricity supply is also unreliable. In 2017, the International Energy Agency estimated the electricity demand to be around 12,000 megawatts, but it had an estimated capacity of only 9,000 megawatts of power. As a result, blackouts and power shortages are common.
North Korea is also heavily reliant on coal for its electricity generation. Coal-fired power plants pose a tremendous environmental burden, especially when the pollution is concentrated in densely populated areas. The air quality in many of North Korea’s cities is known to be poor due to the heavy reliance on coal.
Furthermore, North Korea has limited access to energy resources. As a small nation with limited natural resources, North Korea does not have the resources to develop renewable energy sources or build more efficient power plants. The country also relies on imports of fuel, primarily from China and Russia, to meet its energy demands.
Misappropriation and Political Inaction
The lack of electricity and access to modern technology in North Korea is also a result of the country’s own policies and politics. Under the rule of the current leader, Kim Jong Un, the government has diverted much of the resources of North Korea to its military and nuclear ambitions and away from the needs of its citizens.
As a result, much of the energy produced in North Korea is of low quality and expensive for citizens to afford. The resources and funds which could have been used for improving infrastructure are instead diverted to the military or misappropriated by government officials.
The government’s lack of action in addressing the modern energy needs of the population has also been a source of criticism. Despite the introduction of a new electricity law in 2014, the government has yet to take meaningful steps to improve access to energy for the population.
International Impact
The lack of access to modern technology, such as electricity and the internet, in North Korea has also had an impact on the international community. The isolation of North Korea has effectively limited communication between the country and the outside world, while also preventing the growth of civil society.
The lack of access to modern technology in North Korea has also been a source of tension in Northeast Asia. North Korea’s dependence on foreign countries for access to goods and resources has put these countries in a difficult position. On the one hand, these countries are put in an awkward position of supporting the regime, while on the other hand, they have a vested interest in improving the lives of North Koreans and instituting democratic reforms in the country.
The lack of access to modern technology in North Korea has been a source of international condemnation and has been a major factor in international efforts to bring about political change in the country. In an effort to increase pressure on the regime, the U.S., South Korea, and other countries have imposed sanctions on the country in an effort to bring about the democratic reforms.
Political Change and Renewal
In recent years, North Korea has taken tentative steps towards opening up to the outside world and improving access to modern technologies. Since 2018, the nation had opened up to more international trade and has taken steps to modernize its infrastructure. North Korea has also sought to reduce its reliance on imports of foreign technology and resources.
In addition, North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has taken steps to reform the country’s economy. Kim has sought to increase foreign investment, modernize the economy, and reduce poverty. He has also declared a goal of “self-reliance” in an effort to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign imports.
However, it is too early to tell if these efforts will have any real effect on the availability of modern technology and electricity in North Korea. Much of the change will depend on the country’s ability to withstand international sanctions and economic pressures.
New Developments
Recently, North Korea has sought to address its lack of access to modern technology through a number of initiatives. The country has opened up its first technology park and there are reports that Western companies are investing in North Korea to bring advanced technology to the country.
In addition, North Korea has launched an internet satellite and has announced plans to launch a 5G cellular network in the near future. These developments may indicate a willingness on the part of the North Korean government to increase access to modern technology for its citizens.
Furthermore, the on-going talks between North Korea and the U.S. have also raised hopes for increased access to modern technology. As part of the negotiations, the U.S. has agreed to provide economic incentives in exchange for North Korea’s denuclearization. These incentives could include access to modern technology and infrastructure improvement.
The Effects of Technology
It is unclear what effect increased access to modern technology would have on North Korea’s economy and society. On one hand, increased access to the internet and modern technology may give North Koreans access to ideas and communication which could be used to spur greater social and political reforms.
On the other hand, increased access to modern technology could also be used to further expand the control of the North Korean government. The regime could use technology such as surveillance and censorship to maintain its grip on power.
The ongoing talks and initiatives discussed above are steps in the right direction for increasing access to modern technology in North Korea. However, much will depend on the political will of the North Korean government and its ability to withstand international sanctions.
Economic and Political Reforms
The lack of access to modern technology in North Korea is also due to the country’s economic and political system. North Korea is a command economy, where the government controls most aspects of production and consumption. The economic system has failed to provide the resources necessary for modernizing the economy and developing a modern infrastructure.
This lack of economic freedom has also had an impact on political freedom in the country. North Korea’s political system is authoritarian, with the government tightly controlling all aspects of life. This lack of political freedom has been an obstacle to the introduction of reforms and has kept the country isolated from the rest of the world.
The lack of access to modern technology in North Korea is also a product of the country’s political system. The government has long sought to use the lack of modern technology to maintain its control over the population by limiting communication and access to outside ideas.
The international reaction to North Korea’s lack of access to modern technologies has been mixed. Some countries have sought to press North Korea to open up to the outside world and reform, while others have sought to impose sanctions in an effort to pressure the regime to change its policies.
Conclusion
The lack of access to modern technology in North Korea is due to a number of factors. International sanctions, the country’s isolation, misappropriation of resources, and poor leadership have all contributed to the lack of access to modern electricity, technology, and the internet. However, recently, the country has taken tentative steps towards reforming its economy and opening up to the outside world.
Much will depend on the political will of the North Korean government and whether it can withstand international pressure. There is also the risk that increased access to technology could be used to further expand the government’s control over the population. As such, the international community must be cautious and continue to press for reforms and the expansion of access to modern technology in North Korea.
