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The Geopolitics of North Korea’s Juche Ideology under Kim Jong-un
Introduction
Juche, introduced by Kim Il-sung in 1955 to promote self-reliance and autonomy, shaped North Korea’s post-Cold War nuclear weapons program while the economy remained closed and underdeveloped, heavily reliant on Soviet aid for recovery and industrialisation following the Korean War.
Juche Idea and Kim Jong-un
- Cultural Roots: Derived from Confucianism and Cheondogyo religion, later politicised by Kim Il-sung.
- Philosophy: Masses as the driving force of revolution; strategy to strengthen Kim dynasty legitimacy.
- Byungjin Policy: Focus on simultaneous military and economic development.
- Military Developments: Increased indigenisation of defence production; multiple nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches since 2011.
Recent Floods in North Korea and Juche Idea
- Flood Impact: Significant devastation in provinces, destruction of homes and agriculture.
- Government Response: Declared emergency areas; Kim Jong-un’s personal visits and threats to officials neglecting recovery.
- Media Narrative: State media portrayed floods transparently, but rejected foreign aid, promoting self-sustenance instead.
Geopolitics and North Korea’s Refusal of Foreign Aid
- Hostile Relations: Tensions with the US remain; North Korea brands South Korea as an enemy.
- Rapprochement Failure: Previous attempts to normalise relations with the US have failed; military belligerence as a response to negotiations’ breakdown.
- Deteriorating South-North Relations: South Korea’s increased cooperation with Japan and the US against North Korea’s nuclear threats.
North Korea’s Strained Relations with China
- Historical Context: Close ties historically, but tensions have arisen over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
- Recent Strains: No high-level meetings since 2019; failed Chinese investment proposals; Pyongyang’s disregard for Beijing’s aid offers.
North Korea–Russia ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’
- Military Alliance: Strengthened through a partnership agreement for mutual military support.
- Aid Refusal: North Korea rejected Russian aid for flood victims, possibly to avoid overburdening an ally facing its own challenges.
Conclusion
- Influence of Juche: Deeply embedded in North Korean nationalism and governance; impedes economic liberalisation.
- Geopolitical Implications: Ongoing hostilities with the US, strained relations with China, rising tensions with South Korea, and cautious partnership with Russia.
- Future Prospects: Uncertain how long North Korea can maintain Juche without adopting economic reforms, especially in light of its isolation and humanitarian challenges.