Kim Jong Un’s trip to Russia:
Kim Jong Un’s trip to Russia is significant because it’s happening at a time when Russia is at war with Ukraine. This meeting between the two countries is noteworthy as both countries have experienced isolation on the world stage. While the main purpose of the meeting remains uncertain, there is speculation about the potential for an arms deal. The United States has expressed concerns about such an agreement, fearing it could grant North Korea access to advanced Russian military technology, potentially increasing regional and global tensions.
On the other side, Moscow has a pressing demand for ammunition and small arms, which North Korea produces in mass. Exporting small arms and artillery munitions to Russia at this point could prolong the war. South Korea is also concerned about the possibility of an arms deal between North Korea and Russia. Such an agreement could lead to North Korea acquiring advanced military technology, including missile systems, which could pose a threat to South Korea’s security.
One reply on “week 3/Sidiq”
A good topic for a blog post, Sidiq! Yes, any potential deal between the Russians and the North Koreans could have significant international security consequences. Unfortunately, the details of the deal will likely be kept secret, though it likely will become known if North Korea starts exporting ammunition and weapons to the Russians. As you indicated, as bad as this would be in terms of exacerbating the situation Ukraine, the potential damage that could be done if the Russians supply North Korea with technology to improve the accuracy and reliability of their long-range missile systems or their missile submarines is extremely serious. But there seems little that the United States can actually do to prevent this beyond the “public diplomacy” it is already undertaking. –Professor Wallerstein