International Relations between North Korea and The UnitedStates
Relations between North Korea and the United States have never been strong, but recently the two countries have found their relationship souring to a new low. North Korea has long expressed their hate for the American values and their dislike of the United States’ global influence. Historically, the Korean War, economic sanctions, human rights issues and nuclear intentions of the North have been major points of contention causing the two nations to be ‘locked in a cycle of enmity and mistrust’. In this article, a variety of sources will be used to discuss why North Korea hates the United States and what could potentially change or improve relations between the two states.
The Korean War
The Korean War (1950-1953) is the starting point for much of the bitterness between North Korea and The United States. North Korea were backed by the Chinese communists and South Korea by the United States. Tensions continue to persist to this day as the 1950’s war ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. This means that North Korea still sees the United States as an occupying force in the southern region of the peninsula. This feeling is especially strong due to the presence of US troops. Many of North Korea’s political leaders, to this day, blame the US for much of the strife in the Korean Peninsula.
Economic Sanctions
In addition to the geopolitical tensions from the Korean War, North Korea also loathes the US for their own economic sanctions. The US government has imposed economic sanctions since President Clinton’s administration in the 1990’s to disrupt North Korea’s nuclear program. These economic sanctions have had a debilitating effect on the North Korean economy, causing the already poor nation to become even poorer. North Korea has gone on to accuse the US of trying to ‘strangle and stifle’ their nation, something they naturally oppose.
Human Rights Issues
Continuing on the subject of oppression, North Korea often cites human rights abuses due to US policies. North Korea is notoriously known for their oppressive state and human rights violations, however they believe the US has been unsupportive in helping them improve. North Korea has accused the US of solely caring about nuclear weapons and nothing else, going as far to say that the US has treated the North even worse than the South. They believe the US wants to destabilize their nation through ignorance, oppression and suffering.
Nuclear Intentions
Finally, the US has been actively trying to halt the North Korean nuclear program, something the North views as a tool of self-determination. North Korea boasts its control of nuclear weapons as a deterrent to any foreign invasion and asserts its right to arm itself against any aggression. The North sees the US as a threat to their plans and accuses them of trying to interfere with their sovereign autonomy.
Geopolitical Relations
Geopolitically, North Korea has a history of mistrust off the United States, something that continues to this day. North Korean leaders have expressed their anger and hostility towards the US in public statements, accusing the US of perpetuating a ‘hostile policy’ and a ‘nuclear threat’ against their nation. The government believes the US has been trying to pressure the regime in multiple ways, including economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation and a military buildup in the region.
US Foreign Policy
The US is known to put pressure on North Korea through their foreign policy. The United States has been vocal in criticizing human rights abuses and other oppressive actions taken by the North, while also trying to pressure North Korea diplomatically. It is safe to say that North Korea abhors the US foreign policy, seeing it as aggressive and condemning. North Korea sees the US as part of a larger plot to destabilize the country, yet refuses to accept the consequences.
Perspective from Experts
Experts from multiple disciplines have analyzed the relationship between North Korea and the US. Many international relations experts have theorized that the source of the hostility between the two nations lies in the mutual distrust between their governments. Some foreign policy analysts have speculated that North Korea has more to fear from the US than vice versa. Nuclear security experts have suggested that North Korean aggression is a direct result of what they believe to be US aggression, and believe the US should therefore respond with caution and restraint.
North Korean Propaganda
North Korean citizens are fed negative propaganda about the United States, believing that any support or assistance will be exploited. This has heightened anti-americanism in the nation, further substantiating the divide between the two countries. The North Korean government has employed propoganda techniques to manipulate its population and blame the US for any and all of the North’s shortcomings. This has caused North Koreans to distrust Americans, even those that are trying to help.
North Korean Defiance
In the face of international pressure, North Korea has remained defiant. With the Chinese economy and military growing, North Korea has become more aggressive and cynical towards US intervention. This has been especially evident in recent years, as the US has tried to negotiate a peaceful solution to the nuclear issue. North Korea has had little interest in following the US’s lead, believing that their autonomy is better protected with their current nuclear capabilities.
Foreign Investment
Despite their differences, North Korea does seek foreign investment from the US, albeit in secrecy. There have been reports of various US companies investing in North Korea, the most famous of which are the telecommunications giant, Orascom and the beverage producer, Pepsi. The North Korean government has vocally rejected any assistance or resources from the US, but recognizes the lucrative potential they bring. This provides evidence that, despite their differences, North Korea is still willing to negotiate and accept financial assistance from the US.
Media Relations
The media in North Korea perceives the US in an extremely negative light. Almost every aspect of US culture is condemned, including the capitalist system, race relations, and overall westernization of their society. North Korea claims that the US wants to interfere in their sovereignty and plans to dominate the region. They particularly take offense at US-based media outlets as they fear the spread of American values to their people.
The US Government’s Perception
The US government has a completely different view of the situation. US perception of the conflict is that North Korea is a belligerent nation with a government engaging in dangerous and provocative behavior. US officials are often frustrated with the lack of progress in attempting to negotiate a resolution. However, some US officials have stated their support for North Korean autonomy, citing that their use of nuclear weapons is a legitimate form of self-defense.
Economic Difficulties
Finally, it is important to note that North Korea’s economic woes are partially to blame for their hostility towards the US. North Korea’s economy has deteriorated over the last few decades and the country has been living in poverty. This has caused North Korea to become increasingly isolated from the global economy and further isolate themselves from US influence. The economic issues have further exacerbated the mistrust between the two countries.
