Negotiations and Relations
Since its establishment in 1948, North Korea has been closed off from the world of modern technology, most notably its absence on Google Maps. This lack of representation is reflective of the longstanding tense relationship between North Korea and the international community. Over the 70 plus years that North Korea has been in existence, its relationship with the outside world has gone through more ups and downs then anyone can count. Negotiation attempts by outside entities have definitely been made but with only limited success.
This lack of success can be attributed in part to the North Korean government’s stance on global relations. North Korea has consistently been stubborn when it comes to talks with the outside world and has continually refused to take part in negotiations in order to improve its current state. This refusal can be partly attributed to North Korea’s attempts to remain as independent as possible from other countries as a way of preserving its identity as a self-sustaining nation. This refusal has prevented outside nations from developing a more trusting relationship with North Korea which would in turn lead to more successful negotiations and peace-talks in the long run.
Data and Accessibility
The absence of North Korea on Google Maps has been a major source of frustration for those seeking to find much-needed information and data about the topic. There is simply a lack of reliable, quality sources of data available in the public realm. The limitations on resources makes it incredibly difficult to accurately perceive the situation in North Korea and this lack of transparency has been a major obstacle to improving North Korea’s standing in the international community. Google, being the most accessible search engine in the world, holds an important role when it comes to providing information and data about different parts of the world. However, the lack of North Korea’s presence on Google maps is indicative of the strained relation between North Korea and the world outside of its borders.
Broadening Perspectives and Expert Opinion
Experts agree that leaving North Korea off of Google Maps is a misstep and can undermine progress when it comes to diplomatic negotiations. The data and information available from Google Maps is greatly advantageous in providing insight into the socio-economic state of foreign countries. This in turn leads to a much deeper understanding of a nation which can ultimately lead to more successful negotiations in the future. To advise otherwise would be naive. It is fair to conclude that omitting North Korea from Google Maps limits the scope of international access to information and data, which could potentially be used to further understand and improve relations between North Korea and its neighbours.
Speaking Out
In recent times, more and more people are speaking out against North Korea’s exclusion from Google Maps. Various social media campaigns and online petitions have been launched to promote putting North Korea on the map, which reflects a renewed interest among citizens in the uncertain state of affairs being played out in the political arena. Although these specific campaigns have had mild success in the form of increased visibility and discussion, concrete steps towards implementing the changes proposed have yet to be taken.
Political Barriers and Implications
The contentious political environment surrounding the issue of North Korea’s presence on Google maps is of particular note as it highlights the tension between global relations and the need to maintain a stable global order. The main concern is that making North Korea available on Google Maps could legitimize North Korea’s totalitarian regime in the eyes of the rest of the world. This could have grave consequences in the short and long-term, as it could potentially invite further human rights violation and disregard for international treaties.
Why is North Korea Not Available?
The question of why North Korea is not on Google Maps has evaded a concrete explanation. What can be concluded, however, is that the stringent and restrictive laws imposed by the North Korean government, in addition to the continued political tension and lack of diplomatic relations, could be preventing the nation from having an online presence that is reliable and valid. Until such as time as these issues are addressed, it appears unlikely that North Korea will be included in Google Maps.
Impact on Tourism
From a travel perspective, the non inclusion of North Korea in Google Maps stands to hinder the nation’s ability to become an increasingly popular tourist destination. Those seeking to travel to North Korea may not be able to find the necessary information they need to make informed decisions. Furthermore, due to the lack of clarity surrounding the political climate, potential travelers may be uncertain as to whether or not they would be safe visiting North Korea. As a result, the dearth of valid and reliable sources of information, as it pertains to North Korea, makes it difficult for travelers to make an educated guess with regard to visiting the nation.
Business Implications
The implications for business within North Korea and its neighbouring states, as a result of the lack of information and reliable sources within the nation, can be looked at from a variety of perspectives. Many businesses have been limited in their ability to access necessary data and resources to further their growth and reduce their risk. Furthermore, investing in North Korean resources and businesses has been hampered due to the lack of data available on the outside world, making it incredibly difficult to make informed decisions.
It is also important to consider the implications of North Korea’s absence on Google Maps with respect to North Korean businesses looking to expand their presence into the international marketplace. Google Adwords and other related services are considered to be key ingredients in developing one’s business’s global profile, of which North Korea is unable to take part in due to their presence limits on Google Maps.
Outside Scope of Representation
The situation in North Korea is complex and due to the restricted nature of the country, the issue of the nation’s accessibility via Google Maps is subject to a variety of opinions and analysis. Although some may argue for the inclusion of North Korea on Google Maps, there are a number of other avenues to explore before this is truly feasible. Stricter international laws and regulations may be necessary in order to create a safer and more transparent online environment for North Korea, that can be championed by both the nation and its surrounding countries.
Furthermore, any future attempts to make North Korea available on Google Maps must consider the underlying tensions and implications between North Korea, its neighbours and the international community. Taking these elements into account is absolutely paramount in order to ensure the safety and security of the global community and provide an accurate representation of the political climate surrounding the nation.
The Cost of Exclusion
Excluding North Korea from Google Maps has serious and far-reaching implications that can be seen across all reaches of society. North Korea is currently deemed to be a largely untouchable country due to the strict laws imposed by the government, in addition to the global perception of the nation. This cost of exclusion has the potential to create a significant barrier for both those inside of North Korea and its neighbouring countries.
From a humanitarian perspective, exclusion on Google Maps can cause significant issues for those attempting to access important data for humanitarian aid and assistance. Access to accurate and reliable sources of information can make a huge difference in times of crisis and could potentially mean the difference between life and death in certain scenarios.
International Perception and Tension
The international perception of North Korea has definitely been a major contributing factor to the nation’s exclusion from Google Maps. North Korea is often seen as an aggressive nation with little regard for human rights and international norms. This perception further isolates North Korea from the rest of the world, leaving it in a state of diplomatic limbo. The lack of international trust and mutual understanding has been a huge obstacle to successful negotiation efforts and has led many to concluded that a more positive and proactive approach is needed in order to change the current status quo.
In Focus: The North Korean Perspective
Not enough attention is being paid to the issues from the North Korean point of view. In many cases the nation’s online presence isn’t even considered, with it being commonly assumed that the situation isn’t even an issue for the nation itself. Indeed, no matter how bad the international reputation NORTH Korea may have, the fact remains that it is made up of real people and its citizens are being ignored when it comes to freedom of online expression. The online presence of North Korea remains a blind spot for many, with many unaware of the severe restrictions for accessing the Internet or using social media and other online platforms.
Improved Accessibility
In order to make North Korea more accessible on Google Maps, the nation needs to have better relation with the outside world. This must include the establishment of transparent international relations, an understanding of the international community’s demands and a commitment to collaboration and a more open appearance. The nation also needs to look at implementing more open media laws in order to provide its citizens with better access to the Internet, more open discussions and more transparency in international relations. Only then, can North Korea truly begin to become more accessible on Google Maps.
Current Global Standpoint
The current global standpoint on the issue of North Korean accessibility on Google Maps is one of wait and see. It appears that any attempts to make changes are still stuck in the starting blocks, due to the uncertainties surrounding the nation’s future and the growing tension between the West and North Korea. The questions of whether the nation will remain contained or open itself up to a more collaborative relationship with the rest of the international community are questions yet to be answered.
Questions remain regarding the potential implications of North Korea becoming available on Google Maps. Simply granting access to the nation via the world’s most popular search engine may have unforeseen positive or negative consequences. As a result, nations around the world are waiting for a definitive answer that will solidify how the nation will fit into the global landscape. Until such as time as this happens, North Korea will remain off of Google Maps.
