From frequent missile testing to the cult of personality surrounding their leader, North Korea has made international headlines for years. The nation’s extraordinarily unique and often contradictory behaviours have left many asking, “why is North Korea so crazy?”
The short answer is complicated, as many experts agree. On the one hand, some believe that North Korea’s actions stem from military aggression, with the nation’s frequent weapon tests and war rhetoric serving an underlying aggressive agenda. Others think that its international actions are simply an attempt to call attention to itself and to bolster its domestic strength.
What is more evident, however, is that North Korea’s approach to international governance is heavily influenced by its past. Over half a century of total isolation under the country’s current leader, Kim Jong-un, has resulted in an attachment to conservative values and a heavy sense of suspicion towards the rest of the world. This distrust is at the heart of some North Korean policies, as the nation operates on a strict “us versus them” mentality.
North Korea’s volatile tactics and military posturing can also be attributed in part to the nation’s internal system of government. The nation’s absolute authoritarian rule has given rise to an inner circle of unquestioned power, with Kim Jong-un at its center. This type of government sets the stage for extreme obedience and minimizes the risk of dissent, making it easier for the nation’s top leaders to pursue their own personal agendas and fuel Cold War rhetoric.
Ultimately, North Korea’s behaviour is largely unpredictable, since the nation operates under a highly secretive system of government. In the absence of reliable information and with frequent international sanctions, it can be difficult to fully grasp the motivations behind the nation’s decisions.
The Geography of North Korea
North Korea is located in the northeast region of the Korean peninsula, in between China and South Korea. It is a mountainous nation, with a coastline along the Yellow Sea. The terrain, along with North Korea’s geographical location, makes it an ideal place for military posturing due its ability to survive an invasion. It also makes North Korea difficult to penetrate and control, as any invading force would need to navigate difficult geography while also dealing with the nation’s long-range missile capability.
While North Korea is often seen as a hostile nation, it has rich cultural history and a proud people. Like many Korean cultural traditions, North Korean culture revolves around ancestor worship and shame for causing dishonour. This contributes to the nation’s adherence to rigid conservative values and acts of loyalty toward the current regime.
However, despite these cultural norms and its warlike behaviour, North Korea is not an entirely hostile nation and has shown some willingness to negotiate with its neighbours. This, along with international pressure and economic sanctions, could be the key to unlocking an understanding between the nation and the outside world.
The Power of Propaganda
North Korea’s use of propaganda is a key component of its success. It has been deployed as a tool to spread fear and to wield power over its people. The nation’s fierce propaganda machine serves to instill fear and paranoia among its citizens while simultaneously unifying them against an outside enemy. This form of psychological warfare has so far been successful in keeping North Korea relatively isolated from the rest of the world.
Propaganda has also been used to manipulate the population into idolizing Kim Jong-un as a divine figure. The leader is presented as infallible, and often portrayed in state-sponsored media as a venerable figure, who has the nation’s best interests in mind and is working hard to protect North Koreans from outside forces.
Furthermore, North Korea has also committed to heavy censorship of any unwanted information or opinions, in order to ensure that only approved messages reach the population. This form of censorship, combined with fierce propaganda and fear-mongering, has helped to ensure that the North Korean government’s version of the truth is the only one available.
The Impact of International Pressure
The international community has had a difficult time containing North Korea’s actions, as the nation has managed to stay relatively isolated from the outside world and largely unaffected by economic sanctions. In fact, much of the international pressure that has been placed on the nation has had no effect and instead only seemed to have hardened the stance of the North Korean government.
Recently, however, there have been signs that international pressure has started to have an effect. After Kim Jong-un’s historic summit with US President Donald Trump in Singapore in 2018, talks between the two nations have resumed. This has paved the way for more unorthodox foreign policy initiatives, including North Korea’s decision to hold a joint Olympic Games with South Korea in 2018.
Still, while North Korea may be taking small steps towards negotiations, the nation’s erratic and unpredictable behaviour remains. It is unclear what its next move will be, or even how open it will be to negotiations. North Korea’s unpredictability and isolationism remain key factors in the international community’s failure to fully understand the nation.
The Role of the International Community
One measure that could help to quell the unpredictability of North Korea is the participation of the international community. Experts suggest that countries should strive to build trust with North Korea through diplomatic efforts and dialogue, rather than relying solely on economic and military pressure. Such efforts could include creating opportunities for economic and cultural exchange.
Furthermore, the international community should work together to support a peaceful resolution to the Korean conflict. This could be done through a series of bilateral or multilateral negotiations to resolve the two Koreas’ long-standing issues. The inclusion of all relevant stakeholders in such negotiations could also help to ensure a peaceful resolution.
It is also important for international stakeholders to recognize that North Korea’s willingness to engage in dialogue is a sign of its commitment to a peaceful resolution and its desire for economic stability. As such, it is necessary to create an environment that is conducive to dialogue, to promote mutual understanding and to pursue a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
Domestic Unrest in North Korea
Despite its strict control of the media, reports suggest that North Korea is also dealing with domestic unrest. The government’s absolute authoritarian rule has brought about a deteriorating economy, increasing poverty and widespread famine. This has caused widespread dissatisfaction among North Koreans, leading to anxieties over the nation’s future. The fear of regime collapse has caused North Korea to increasingly crack down on activities that could undermine the nation’s power, such as anti-government protests.
Furthermore, North Korea’s oppressive regime has also led to a lack of civil liberties and personal freedoms, as the government has strictly clamped down on any form of resistance. The nation’s borders are heavily guarded and North Koreans face arrest and imprisonment for attempting to leave the country without permission. Additionally, activities such as owning a cell phone, listening to the radio and communicating with the outside world are strictly prohibited.
These oppressive policies, combined with growing economic strain, have caused many North Koreans to lose faith in their government. This has led to increased dissent, as citizens attempt to find ways to breach the nation’s heavily monitored borders in search of a better future.
The Human Cost of Conflict
No matter the reason for North Korea’s erratic behaviour, it is important to consider the human cost of its actions. North Korean soldiers, citizens and those living in neighbouring states are regularly subject to armanents testing and the looming threat of a war. Despite the nation’s bellicose rhetoric, North Korea and neighbouring states remain in a delicate state of diplomatic stability and are, as of yet, far from all-out war.
The nation has, however, been accused of human rights abuses, such as torture, public executions and political imprisonment, which have been used as a tool of control by the North Korean government. This has caused widespread suffering inside and outside of the nation, and has contributed to the continued state of unrest in the Korean peninsula.
Additionally, it is also important to consider how North Korea’s actions have affected its citizens. With the nation’s long-standing isolation, North Koreans are largely unaware of the general consensus within the outside world. This has left them with a distorted view of international affairs, which has in turn made it difficult for them to form their own opinion on the matter.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, North Korea’s behaviour remains mysterious and unpredictable. The nation’s complex past, combined with its culture of secrecy and authoritarian rule, has contributed to a lack of clarity about its actions. International pressure and economic sanctions have also failed to bring about any lasting change in the nation’s behaviour, leaving many to question what the future holds for the nation.
At the same time, it is important to remember that North Korea is made up of people with hopes and dreams, and to recognize the human costs of conflict. The international community should strive to achieve a resolution that benefits the people of North Korea, while also respecting their rights and safety.
