Background: Why North Korea Hates The United States Of America
During the Korean War, North Korea lost almost all of its territories to the United States and its allies, resulting in a humiliating defeat. From 1950 to 1953, the US Air Force alone dropped more than 635,000 tons of explosives, or almost three times the amount of explosives used in the entire Second World War. This has caused a long-standing deep hatred among North Koreans towards the United States, which can be felt even today.
Since 1953, North Korea has pursued a policy of “self-reliance,” aimed at protecting itself against US aggression and domination. The US still has around 28,500 troops stationed in neighbouring South Korea, a reminder of the war and its much-hated history. In addition, North Korea has been economically isolated, as the US has enforced a number of restrictive sanctions against it.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has publicly lambasted the US for its hostile policies. He has claimed that the US’s “hostile policies” are what has caused the suffering of his people and led to North Korea’s economic woes. North Korea also believes that the US has no legal or moral right to interfere in its internal affairs, including its nuclear program. Furthermore, North Korea blames the US for the nuclear threat it faces, claiming that the US has been provocative towards North Korea, increasing the potential of war.
American Foreign Policy
The US’s foreign policy has been a source of much debate, especially its stance on the Korean peninsula. The US has consistently taken a hardline approach to North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, considering it to be a direct threat to its security and stability. In 2017, the US introduced a policy of “maximum pressure” aimed at isolating North Korea and forcing it to abandon its nuclear weapons program. This policy has seen the US put in place numerous punitive measures, such as new economic sanctions, a travel ban, and a nuclear weapons test ban.
In addition, the US has also threatened to use military action against North Korea if the latter does not comply with the sanctions. This has only further strained the relationship between the two countries, with North Korea viewing the US’s stance as overly aggressive and hostile.
Reactions from North Korean People
The North Korean people have largely reacted with anger and resentment to the US’s hostile policies. They are frustrated that the US is trying to meddle in their internal affairs and impose its will on them. The North Korean people are also concerned about the potential for war if the US does not ease its position.
The North Korean government has used US policies to its advantage, often citing US actions as justification for their own intransigence in diplomacy talks. This has been a useful tool for the regime, as it allows them to paint the US as the aggressor, while they present themselves as the victim.
Role of Media & Propaganda
The North Korean media has also played a key role in furthering the anti-US sentiment among the people. News outlets, such as the Korean Central News Agency, has long denounced the US’s “hostile” policies and warned of a potential war. North Korean propaganda outlets have also been successful in portraying the US as a bogeyman, a dangerous and powerful enemy that must be opposed at all costs.
This has been successful in instilling fear in the population and creating a siege mentality, making it easier for the regime to maintain control. It has also been effective in shifting the blame away from their own shortcomings and onto their external enemies.
A Relationship Almost Beyond Repair?
North Korea’s long-standing hatred of the United States has only been further fueled by its hostile policies. The US has been unrelenting in its stance, making it unlikely that the two countries can mend their relationship anytime soon. The North Korean government has also found success in using US policies as justification for their own intransigence.
Given the current situation, it appears that the relationship between North Korea and the US is one that is almost beyond repair. Unless the US can make a genuine effort to improve their relationship and ease their hardline stance, it is difficult to see how relations between the two countries will improve.
North Korean Nuclear Program
The North Korean government has long sought to develop a nuclear weapons program, firstly to protect itself from perceived US aggression and secondly to serve as a bargaining chip in diplomatic negotiations. In 2006, North Korea conducted its first nuclear test, further raising tensions.
The US has consistently opposed North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, with then-President Donald Trump introducing a policy of “maximum pressure,” in order to force the North Korean government to abandon its nuclear program. This has been seen by North Korea as an aggressive tactic that has only further damaged the already fragile relationship between the two countries.
North Korean Nuclear Deterrence
North Korea has attempted to use its nuclear program as a way of deterring further US aggression and interference in its internal affairs. North Korean officials have argued that by possessing nuclear weapons, the US would think twice about attacking North Korea in a future conflict. The North Korean government also believes that its nuclear weapons program could give them greater leverage in diplomatic negotiations with the US.
However, it is unclear if North Korea’s nuclear program is an effective deterrent. The US has shown no signs of backing down from its stance on North Korea and its nuclear program, despite North Korea’s threats. It remains to be seen if North Korea’s nuclear program can in fact protect it from US aggression.
Conclusion of Nuclear Talks
In 2018, North Korea and the US held historic talks in Singapore, focused on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Unfortunately, the talks were unsuccessful in producing a long-term agreement, as the US and North Korea could not reach an agreement on the process and scope of denuclearization. Since then, there have been few meaningful talks between the two countries.
The lack of progress in the negotiations has been a source of great frustration for both sides. However, it is possible that the US and North Korea could reach an agreement in the future. In the meantime, US-North Korea relations remain fraught and the two countries remain deeply divided.
