Background Information
North Korea is a small country in East Asia that is run by a dictatorship. The country was torn apart by the Korean War in the 1950s, leaving it with an existing military and tight control over the population. In North Korea, the government controls all of the economy, the media, and its citizens’ freedom. The citizens of North Korea face poverty and a lack of basic necessities, yet there is little to no open criticism of the government. Despite the government-controlled economy, some citizens are managing to produce goods and find ways to make money illegally.
Relevant Data
North Korea has the world’s fourth-largest military and its citizens are required to serve in the military for ten years. It is estimated that 25 percent of the population lives in extreme poverty and 70 percent of the population is illiterate. The average income for citizens is around $1,000 a year, but the top 1 percent makes up nearly 20 percent of total income, making North Korea one of the most unequal countries. The country is heavily reliant on foreign aid and only a handful of countries provide assistance. Its nuclear program is a huge expense and North Korea’s economy has been further weakened by UN sanctions.
Perspective From Experts
Experts have put forth several theories to explain why North Koreans have not rebelled against their government. One of the most widely accepted explanations is that North Koreans are scared of the consequences of revolting. Citizens of the country have grown up in a society where the government has an iron grip over the people, making it hard to imagine life outside of this system. There is a lack of education and access to outside information, and the government is especially harsh towards anyone who shows signs of dissent. The lack of outside contacts and a general air of fear ensure that North Koreans know very little about outside nations and what could be done differently.
Another popular explanation is North Korea’s unique ideological system. The North Korean government uses a combination of Buddhist, Confucian, and Marxist doctrines to control its citizens. The country’s leader Kim Jong-un is a near-deity and many of its citizens’ actions revolve around protecting the leader. Citizens like their freedom, but they believe that the freedom comes from protecting the structure and only by following the leader’s orders will they remain free.
Analysis and Insights
Based on the data and perspective from experts, it appears that North Koreans are not revolting against the government for a number of reasons, including fear of the consequences, lack of access to outside information, and the country’s unique ideological system. It is also important to note that North Korea is a country where poverty and lack of basic necessities are rampant, and citizens are not receiving the assistance they need from the outside. The severe repression of the regime along with its dependency on limited foreign aid have put North Korea in a position where it is nearly impossible to revolt.
Illegal Activity and Smuggling
Despite the repression, North Koreans are finding ways to overthrow the government through illegal activity and smuggling. For example, North Koreans are increasingly taking part in illegal activities such as drug smuggling, human trafficking, and money laundering in an effort to make money and escape poverty.
Through these activities, North Koreans are able to earn money and access goods and services that are not available in the country. Additionally, some North Koreans are using smugglers to illegally cross the border into China and other nearby countries. This is allowing them to gain access to information that is not available in their home country, as well as make contacts with those outside the authoritarian regime.
Virtual Communities
North Koreans are also forming virtual communities to connect with people outside of the country. The use of the internet and social media has allowed North Koreans to make connections with those in the rest of the world and learn about outside perspectives. This has opened up an avenue for North Koreans to learn more about democracy and other forms of government, as well as find ways to survive in their home country.
In addition to these virtual communities, North Koreans are clandestinely sending news, entertainment, and other content across the border into the country, allowing information to flow into North Korea. This has been a crucial way for North Koreans to stay up-to-date with what is happening in North Korea and the outside world.
Activist Groups
Outside of North Korea, there are several groups and organizations striving to support North Korean people. These groups are working to raise awareness and provide support for North Koreans who are looking to escape their repressive living conditions. They are offering financial assistance and moral support, as well as helping North Koreans to find safe havens and build new lives in their adopted countries.
These organizations are also providing resources to help North Koreans increase their knowledge about the world and new technologies. Through these resources, North Koreans can gain skills and knowledge that will help them build a better future for themselves.
Foreign Pressure
Foreign pressure has been an important factor in the lack of revolt within North Korea. Other countries, including the US and South Korea, have put pressure on the North Korean government to end its oppressive practices and improve its human rights records. This has caused the North Korean government to become more cautious and fearful of foreign actors and has likely contributed to its reluctance to allow North Koreans to revolt.
The international community has also pressured North Korea to stop its nuclear and ballistic missile program, which has been costly to the country’s economy. The US and South Korea have imposed sanctions on North Korea, which has further crippled its economy and led to heightened poverty and hardship for its citizens.
Conclusion
Despite the dire conditions for North Koreans, revolt does not appear to be on the horizon. The combination of fear of the consequences, lack of access to outside information, the country’s unique ideological system, and foreign pressure has made it difficult for North Koreans to revolt against their government. While there are some North Koreans who are engaging in illegal activity and taking part in virtual communities, the majority of citizens are still living under the oppressive regime. In order for North Korea to truly change, sustained pressure from the outside world and support for activists within the country is needed.
