Introduction
The recent visit of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin to North Korea is considered one of the most prominent visits internationally because of its possible repercussions. North Korea and Russia share a long and complex history involving many different international actors who have influenced their interaction. As global dynamics and international security environments depend on how states interact with each other within a system, it is significant to delve into historical events to comprehend any strategic and diplomatic developments among states.
For that purpose, this article will demonstrate the reasons that alerted the behavior of Russia and North Korea toward each other. During his visit, Vladimir Putin signed a pact of comprehensive partnership with North Korea similar to the 1961 Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance between the two states. In the contemporary world, states tend to pursue neo-realist behavior and this deal can be considered a move in power politics by these two states.
Historical Overview
The history of this relationship goes back to 1945 when Japan lost its hold over the Korean Peninsula. After Japan’s surrender, the fate of the Korean Peninsula was left in the hands of the United States and the Soviet Union. They both decided to establish a demarcation line, the 38th parallel, under the Potsdam Conference. This was a temporary settlement but the emergence of the Cold War laid stronger roots for this settlement.
The United States enforced the government of Syngman Rhee in the south and on the other hand, Kim II-sung’s government was formed in the north under Soviet control. The advent of the Korean War in the 1950s further intensified the divide as North Korea, with the support of the USSR, launched a deceptive attack on South Korea. The United States, with other forces under the umbrella of the United Nations, intervened and defended South Korea. China also participated in the war but eventually, this war ended in 1953 with an armistice.
After the Korean War, in the 1960s, the USSR continued its assistance of military and financial aid to North Korea. In 1961, the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance was signed which made the bond stronger. In the 1970s, there was a split between China and the USSR and under these circumstances, the DPRK decided to distance itself from this rivalry.
When Mikhail Gorbachev came to power in the Soviet Union, he inclined his political interests toward South Korea. Gorbachev’s policies and the ultimate collapse of the USSR also deteriorated the relations of the communist state with North Korea. However, in 2000, after winning the elections in Russia, Putin visited North Korea to cool down the relations and also hosted Kim Jong-il for the meetings.
Change in Dynamics After 24 Years
Putin’s recent visit to North Korea will change the dynamics of the relationship for both states. Back in 2006, Russia opposed the North Korean nuclear program. Over the years Russia supported the sanctions on North Korea as well as participated in six-party talks to halt North Korean ambitions. A slight shift was observed in 2019 when Kim Jong-un visited Russia but that summit did not prove beneficial.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 allowed North Korea to settle its affairs with Russia. For that purpose, North Korean leaders released statements against the West to support Russia’s narrative. In return for this diplomatic maneuvering, North Korea gained Russia’s sympathy and it vetoed US-led sanctions in the Security Council against the North Korean missile program. This was followed by Kim Jong-un’s visit to Russia, where he pursued financial assistance in exchange for munitions.
Vladimir Putin’s recent visit is the first visit of any Russian leader to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) after the death of Kim Jong-il. This visit is really important, as both have locked up a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. This treaty calls for cooperation in all domains, from trade, humanitarian assistance, diplomacy, investment, culture, and most importantly, security. According to this pact, both states will assist and defend each other in case of an armed attack and Russia will provide weapons to DPRK.
Significance of the Defense Pact for North Korea
The North Korean leader considers this defense pact a form of strategic alliance. This pact will not only help North Korea stabilize its position but also provide defense against the United States and against states backed by the US (such as South Korea and Japan). Russia is one of the major powers and given its historical relations with the DPRK, this pact will also improve the relations between these two in the future.
The most important factor that could be taken into consideration is that if Russia is in a defense alliance, it has to support North Korea and its missile program. This means Russia will also continue using its veto power against the United Nations Security Council’s sanctions. There could also be a possibility of a nuclear deal between the two in the future that could challenge the West.
Global Implications of This Partnership
The West, especially the US and its allies, viewed this relationship as a threat to the security of the Korean Peninsula and the world. According to an official statement from the US Department of State, America is very concerned over this matter. The US officials also mentioned that Russia is taking measures against the sanctions that it once supported in the Security Council. In addition to that, the United States already considers Russia as its enemy and has mentioned Russia’s resurgence as a threat to national security.
South Korea also showcased its anger over this agreement and said that it would provide arms support to Ukraine. Russia is already at war with Ukraine, and despite the heat of the situation, Putin decided to develop an alliance with North Korea and Vietnam. These diplomatic actions can lead to the escalation of conflict. Response from the West can be offensive; the war at the Ukrainian front can also get intensified turning into a full-fledged world war. Another danger is that the West has speculated that both Russia and North Korea are nuclear states and a defense pact between the two can be a threat to the nuclear domain too.
Conclusion
This defense pact, calling for mutual protection and supply of military equipment, reflects the historical patterns of the relationship between Russia and DPRK. Both states have been through both cold and warm ties over the years. Despite standing against the nuclear program of DPRK, Russia has always been financially supporting it by providing different agreements. States shape their relationships by their self-interests and that’s what Russia is seeking to do.
Right now, this type of security environment needs stronger and strategically favorable alliances. In this view, a defense agreement could be a better decision as North Korea’s strategic location and its relationship with Russia’s enemies provide Russia with leverage. On the other hand, for North Korea, which is under sanctions from the West and surrounded by so many enemies, this pact is a golden opportunity. While this defense pact could be good for the party states, it isn’t one for the United States and its allies. Their response to this new kind of defense partnership could hurt the security of the world.
If you want to submit your articles, research papers, and book reviews, please check the Submissions page.
The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Paradigm Shift.
