Background Information
North Korea has been relatively calm over the past couple of years in comparison to its most of the previous actions. It started in 2012, after Kim Jong-un, the third supreme leader of the country, took power in December 2011. The new leader was of a different character than his father, Kim Jong-il. He was seen to be much friendlier and willing to negotiate with different states, both in the region and in the international community. North Korea has shifted its foreign policy, actively engaging in several talks and summits with its neighbouring countries, such as China and South Korea.
The North Korean government has done this in order to improve its diplomatic relations, and in the hope of achieving certain long-term objectives such as economic development and nuclear disarmament. This urged the United Nations to offer up sanctions and other programs to incentivise Pyongyang to make use of these diplomatic talks to reach agreements.
Statistics
According to the United Nations, in 2018 alone, North Korea invested an estimated total of three billion dollars in economic and social development. This money was used to fund food production, power and water treatments, school construction and health services for their people. This money was also used to carry out nuclear disarmament, although the process has only reached a partial success so far. Furthermore, Pyongyang has started a dialogue process with South Korea, which has been slowly progressing in the correct direction.
Experts’ Perspective
Experts believe that North Korea’s search for political and economic normalization has been the main factor contributing to its relative quietness. North Korea’s foreign policy has had to adjust to the transforming geopolitical context of the wider Asia and Pacific region. This context is now characterized by the increasing tensions between the United States and China, with the former pushing the later to take a more active role in containing North Korea’s ambitions. In contrast, North Korea is attempting to successfully reduce its anxiety and protect its sovereignty by trying to reach mutually beneficial outcomes.
Analysis
The quietness of North Korea suggests that there is a chance for economic and diplomatic success. This is especially true since the possibility of war with South Korea has been pacified due to the various international negotiations since the improvement of geopolitical relations between Seoul and Pyongyang.
Furthermore, the recent reforms initiated by Kim Jong-un’s regime suggest that the country is not just after nuclear weapons, but also for economic stability. The recent economic reforms implemented in the country have been beneficial for the citizens and this is another factor that is influencing the current quietness of North Korea.
Economic Impact
The calmness in North Korea has not only improved diplomatic relations between the two Koreas, but also opened up the possibility of global economic involvement. This enables North Korea to acquire capital and technology from other countries in order to develop its infrastructure as well as improve living conditions for its people.
Foreign investments also make it easier for North Korea to pursue more extensive economic reforms and modernize its infrastructure, which can help its citizens in the long run. Additionally, rewards from economic cooperation could lead to the progression of civil society and encourage cultural exchange among its citizens.
International Implications
Moreover, the newfound international interest in North Korea is also an opportunity for countries to establish their dominance over this region. The U.S., China, and Russia all have an interest in having a powerful presence in the Korean Peninsula and therefore, they are all eager to engage in constructive discussions with North Korea.
The U.S. is particularly interested in North Korea’s nuclear program and is pushing Pyongyang to denuclearize. On the other hand, China and Russia want to establish a favorable strategic relationship with North Korea, however religious and political differences still remain a point of contention.
China’s Influence
China is the one country that has the most influence on North Korea. As its neighbor, it is the natural choice for North Korea to turn for economic support and political advice. China has consistently been pushing for economic sanctions and has been the backbone of many diplomatic negotiations.
Furthermore, China has also been willing to invest in sectors such as infrastructure and cooperative projects in various sectors, such as energy and resource extraction. This demonstrates China’s long-term commitment towards North Korea’s economic success.
Conclusion
Overall, the quietness in North Korea is the result of its internal struggles and the current geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. North Korea’s newfound willingness to engage in diplomatic talks with other nations is a promising sign of a possible economic and political rapprochement in the future. However, only time will tell if North Korea will be able to make progress in its
