COMPARATIVE POLITICS

2nd year IR section B

ASSIGNMENT

NAME : MARYAM ARIF

CLASS : IR
TEACHER : SIR HIDAYAT
TOPIC : NORTH KOREA

North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK),
has a unique political system that is often described as a totalitarian Stalinist
dictatorship. North Korea is a country in East Asia, located on the northern part of the
Korean Peninsula. It shares borders with China and Russia to the north, and South
Korea to the south, separated by the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
Pyongyang is the capital and largest city of North Korea, where it is sometimes labeled as the
"Capital of the Revolution"

1. Political System Type: North Korea's political system is a one-party system led by the
Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). The WPK is the ruling party, and there are two other
smaller parties, the Korean Social Democratic Party and the Chondoist Chongu Party,
which exist but are completely subservient to the WPK.

Kim Jong Un
Supreme Leader of North Korea
2. Party System: The Workers' Party of Korea dominates all aspects of political life in
North Korea. The party's leader, currently Kim Jong-un, holds absolute power and
authority. The party's ideology, known as Juche, emphasizes self-reliance and is the
guiding principle of all policies.

3. Institutions: The Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) is the highest organ of state
power and it is theoretically responsible for making laws. However, in practice, its role
is largely symbolic with real power lying with the WPK and its leader. The National
Defence Commission (NDC) is the highest military organ and it controls the Korean
People's Army.

In comparison, most countries operate under a multi-party system where different

political parties compete for power in free and fair elections. The institutions in these
countries typically include a legislative body, an executive branch, and an independent
judiciary, all of which operate under a system of checks and balances.

It's important to note that the political system in North Korea has been criticized for its
lack of political freedoms, human rights abuses, and its concentration of power in the
hands of a single leader and party.
1. Monarchy: Imagine one family has been in charge of a country for a very long
time, like a king or queen passing power down to their children. In North Korea,
it's a bit like that, except they call themselves a "Democratic People's Republic."
But in reality, the Kim family has ruled for generations. So, it's kind of like a
family monarchy.
 2. Anarchy: Now, think about a place where there are no rules or leaders. People
just do whatever they want because there's no government to tell them
otherwise. North Korea is the exact opposite of that. It's super controlled, with
strict rules and leaders making all the decisions.
3. Theocracy: In some places, religious leaders are in charge, making rules based
on their beliefs. But in North Korea, it's not about religion. Instead, they follow a
strict ideology called Juche, which focuses on self-reliance and loyalty to the
state. So, it's not really a theocracy because it's not run by religious leaders or
based on religious laws.

North Korea's economic system heavily features trade, with goods worth a combined
total of $1 billion being traded in 2022. Despite being somewhat isolated globally, North
Korea's primary trading partner is China, which was responsible for about 99% of
goods shipped into the country in 2022, amounting to approximately $894 million. In
terms of exports, China also appears as the most significant player with nearly 70% of
North Korean goods destined for the country.
North Korea has a centrally planned economy with some recent modifications.
Here's a breakdown of the key aspects you requested:

Economic System: Centrally Planned Economy with Limited Market Elements

● The government controls most aspects of the economy, including

production, prices, and distribution of goods.
● In recent years, there have been limited reforms allowing for some private
markets and a small role for foreign investment.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP): As of 2022, estimates suggest North Korea's

GDP is around $28.5 billion (USD). It's important to note that reliable data from
North Korea is scarce.
Gross National Product (GNP): Due to the limited integration of North Korea's
economy with the global market, GNP estimates are not widely available. GNP
considers income earned by North Korean citizens abroad, which is minimal in
this case.

Exports and Imports: North Korea's trade is tightly controlled by the government.

● Largest Exports: Minerals (coal, iron ore), textiles, some manufactured

goods
● Largest Exports Partner: China (accounts for a significant share of North
Korea's trade)
● Largest Imports Partner: China (again, China is the dominant player in
North Korea's trade)

Largest Economic Partner: China

China is North Korea's most important economic partner by a wide margin. China
provides crucial food and energy supplies to North Korea and is a major
destination for North Korean exports.

Additional Points:

● North Korea faces significant economic challenges due to its isolation,

reliance on outdated technology, and inefficiencies in its centrally planned
system.
● Recent sanctions imposed due to North Korea's nuclear program have
further hampered economic growth.
● There are ongoing discussions about how to improve North Korea's
economy, but the path forward remains uncertain.

However, some European countries also engage in trade with North Korea. For
instance, in 2022, Poland imported iron, steel, plastic products, pharmaceutical
products, and machinery from North Korea worth around $10 million. The
Netherlands, on the other hand, imported mainly nickel products, polyethylene, and
airplane parts, amounting to roughly $8 million.

Interestingly, there have been incidents where North Korean products enter Western
markets under misleading labels. Perhaps the most notable one is the case identified by
the Dutch University of Leiden in 2019, where clothing made in North Korea under
exploitative labor conditions had been imported into Western countries identified as of
Chinese origin.
Finally, multiple African countries - at least seven as per a 2017 investigation - were
importing North Korean goods, including machinery and transformers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korean trade experienced a major slump due
to the worldwide trade restrictions and sanctions. These developments worsened an
already frail situation brought about by heavier international sanctions before the
pandemic, which had badly hit the North Korean economy and led to severe shortages
of food, drugs and other essentials.

Key Information:

- In 2022, total trade was $1 billion

- China was the largest trade partner, responsible for 99% of imports and 70% of
exports
- European countries traded with North Korea to a limited capacity - Poland ($10
million) and Netherlands ($8 million)
- Mislabeling practices have been identified, especially for imported clothing items
- African countries also import from North Korea.
- COVID-19 led to a significant slump in North Korea trade.

North Korea's largest economic partner is China. The relationship between the two
countries is deeply intertwined, with China accounting for approximately 99% of North
Korea's imports and 70% of its exports in 2022. This trade relationship is crucial for
North Korea's economy, especially given the country's international isolation due to
sanctions and its limited economic diversification.
China's role as North Korea's primary economic partner is largely due to historical,
political, and geographical reasons. The two countries share a long border, which
facilitates cross-border trade. Politically, China has often acted as a buffer for North
Korea against international pressure and sanctions due to North Korea's nuclear
program and human rights issues.

However, this relationship is not without its challenges. The enforcement of

international sanctions, North Korea's nuclear ambitions, and the global COVID-19
pandemic have all impacted trade between the two countries. Despite these challenges,
China remains North Korea's most significant economic partner, providing a lifeline for
the country's economy.

North Korean society is largely homogeneous in terms of ethnicity, language, and

religion.

Ethnicity: The population of North Korea is ethnically homogeneous, with virtually all
residents identifying as Korean. There is a very small Chinese community and a few
ethnic Japanese. The country's homogeneity has been maintained by strict immigration
policies and a general isolation from the rest of the world.

Language: The official language of North Korea is Korean, which is spoken by virtually
the entire population. The Korean language in the North and South is mutually
intelligible, but there are differences in accent, vocabulary, and spelling. In North
Korea, the language has been influenced by the country's Juche ideology, with many
Sino-Korean words replaced by native Korean words, and many new words created to
reflect the political and social realities of the country.
Religion: The North Korean constitution guarantees freedom of religion. However, in
practice, the government severely restricts religious activity except for some officially
recognized groups which are believed to be under government control. The majority of
North Koreans do not belong to a formal religious organization. According to the
Korean Social Sciences Data Center, 15.6% of North Koreans practice Korean
Shamanism, 13.5% practice Chondoism, 4.5% are Buddhist, and 1.7% are Christian.
However, these figures are difficult to verify due to the country's closed nature.

It's important to note that the North Korean government promotes the Juche ideology,
a form of political nationalism that emphasizes self-reliance and has elements of
Confucianism, socialism, and militarism. This ideology plays a significant role in the
daily lives of North Koreans and can be considered a quasi-religion.

In conclusion, while North Korean society is homogeneous in terms of ethnicity and

language, there is some degree of heterogeneity in religious beliefs and practices,
although these are heavily influenced and controlled by the state.

North Korea's foreign policy is largely shaped by its geopolitical situation, its unique
ideology, and its international status due to its nuclear program. The country's foreign
policy is characterized by a focus on self-reliance (Juche ideology), national security,
and the pursuit of its own strategic interests.
Regional Politics: North Korea's regional politics are primarily influenced by its
relationships with neighboring countries, particularly South Korea, China, and Japan.
The Korean Peninsula's division and the ongoing tensions with South Korea
significantly shape North Korea's regional policy. China, as discussed earlier, is North
Korea's most significant economic partner and often acts as a buffer against
international pressure. Relations with Japan are strained due to historical issues and
North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

International Politics: North Korea's international politics are largely defined by its
nuclear program and the resulting international sanctions. The country has been
subject to numerous sanctions from the United Nations and individual countries, which
have significantly impacted its economy and international relations. North Korea seeks
to be recognized as a nuclear power and uses its nuclear program as a bargaining chip
in negotiations.

Regarding international organizations, North Korea is not a member of the G8, G20,
SCO, NATO, or BRICS. These organizations require a certain level of economic
development, political stability, and/or alignment with the group's values and
objectives, which North Korea currently does not meet. North Korea is, however, a
member of the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement, which is a group of
states not formally aligned with any major power.
The nature of a state's political system, whether democratic or non-democratic, is
influenced by a variety of factors including historical, cultural, economic, and
geopolitical elements.
Democratic states, such as the United States or Germany, often have a history of
democratic institutions and values. These countries typically have strong civil societies,
respect for rule of law, and a culture that values individual freedoms and rights.
Economic prosperity can also contribute to the establishment and maintenance of
democratic systems, as it allows for the development of a strong middle class, which can
demand political representation and accountability.

Non-democratic states, like North Korea or Saudi Arabia, may have different historical
and cultural contexts. In North Korea, the Juche ideology, which emphasizes
self-reliance and national sovereignty, has been used to justify a highly centralized and
authoritarian political system. In Saudi Arabia, the monarchy has maintained power
through a combination of religious authority, control over oil resources, and support
from Western powers.

The reasons for the variance between democratic and non-democratic states are
multifaceted. Historically, the establishment of government systems can be influenced by
past events. For instance, North Korea's socialist regime was shaped by post-World War II
influences, aligning with the Soviet Union. Culturally, societal values and beliefs can impact
political structures, as seen in North Korea's emphasis on collective welfare under the
Juche ideology. Economically, the level of development plays a role, with wealthier nations
often supporting democratic processes. North Korea's centrally planned economy
reinforces its non-democratic governance. Geopolitically, international influences can
shape government types, exemplified by the Korean peninsula's division into socialist and
democratic states after World War II.

The strength of a state can be measured in various ways, including its economic power,
military strength, political stability, and level of control over its territory and
population.
Strong states, such as China or the United States, typically have large, diversified
economies, powerful militaries, stable political systems, and high levels of control over
their territories. For example, China has leveraged its massive population and strategic
investments in education and infrastructure to become a global economic powerhouse.
The United States, with its advanced economy, military capabilities, and global
influence, is also considered a strong state.

Weak states, on the other hand, may struggle with economic instability, internal
conflict, weak institutions, and limited control over their territories. For instance,
Afghanistan has faced decades of conflict and political instability, which has
undermined its economy and institutions. Similarly, Somalia has struggled with internal
conflict and lacks effective control over much of its territory, making it a weak state.

It's important to note that these are general trends and there are many exceptions. The
strength or weakness of a state, or its democratic or non-democratic nature, can change
over time due to internal developments or external influences.

North Korea's long-standing control by the Kim dynasty provides stability but at the
expense of personal freedoms, perceived by some as weakness. North Korea's
centrally planned economy results in low GDP per capita and chronic issues. North
Korea's military power is substantial, yet its prioritization over other aspects may
indicate weakness. Evaluating a state's strength or weakness requires consideration of
various criteria, which can evolve and differ based on cultural and societal contexts.

Relations with South Korea:

● Tense Standoff: Relations are complex and often strained due to the ongoing
Korean War technically still being in effect and North Korea's nuclear
program.
● Periods of Engagement: There have been brief periods of reconciliation with
high-level summits and inter-Korean projects, but these efforts haven't been
sustained.
● Long-Term Goal: Reunification remains a long-term goal for both Koreas,
but significant challenges persist.
North Korea vs. South Korea
Political Systems ;

Feature North Korea South Korea

Type Single-party communist state Multi-party democracy

Party Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) is Multiple parties compete in

System the only legal party elections

Institution Supreme People's Assembly President, National Assembly

s (rubber-stamp legislature), Kim (legislature), independent
family dictatorship judiciary

Economic System

Feature North Korea South Korea

GDP ~$32.1 billion (estimate) ~$1.8 trillion

GNP No reliable data ~$1.7 trillion (estimate)

Exports Minerals, textiles, some Semiconductors, electronics,

manufactured goods automobiles, ships

Largest Exports China China, US, EU

Partner

Largest Imports China China, US, Japan

Partner
Largest China China, US, EU
Economic
Partner

Society

Feature North Korea South Korea

Homogeneous/Heterogene Homogeneous Homogeneous (Korean

ous (Korean ethnicity) ethnicity, small Chinese
minority)

Language Korean Korean

Religion No state religion, Buddhism and Christianity

officially atheist
Foreign Policy

Feature North Korea South Korea

Regional Tense relations with South Alliance with US, rivalry with
Politics Korea, nuclear ambitions a North Korea
concern

International Isolated, few allies Active member of UN and

Politics other international
organizations

International Organizations

Organizati North South Korea

on Korea

G8 No No (Not relevant anymore, replaced by

G20)

G20 No Yes

SCO Observer No

NATO No No (Security alliance with US)

BRICS No No
North and South Korea's relationship is complex and often tense. Here's a
breakdown:

History:

● Once a unified Korea, the peninsula was divided after World War II. The
ideological differences between the Soviet-backed North and the US-backed
South led to the Korean War (1950-1953).
● An armistice ended the war, but no formal peace treaty exists, leaving the
countries technically at war.

Current State:

● Relations fluctuate between periods of limited engagement and high tensions.

● Recently (as of April 2024): Tensions are high. North Korea sees South Korea
as its primary enemy and has severed most economic ties.
● Previously (2018-2019): There were periods of relative calm with high-level
summits and inter-Korean projects.

Challenges:

● North Korea's nuclear weapons program is a major concern for South Korea
and the international community.
● Defectors from the North highlight human rights abuses, further straining
relations.

Hopes for the Future:

● Despite the difficulties, reunification remains a long-term goal for both

Koreas.
● South Korea's past "Sunshine Policy" aimed for reconciliation through
economic cooperation. While currently inactive, such efforts might resurface
in the future.

North Korea and Pakistan have a history of close relations, particularly in the areas of
military cooperation and nuclear technology. Pakistan has allegedly provided assistance to
North Korea's missile program, and there have been reports of cooperation on nuclear
technology as well.
North Korea with other relations
Overall:

North Korea's relationships are complex and often driven by a need for economic
assistance and a desire to counter international pressure. The future of its relations
with other countries depends on how it addresses nuclear concerns and interacts
with the international community.

Conclusion:

North Korea serves as a unique case study, characterized by its authoritarian

political system, centrally planned economy, homogeneous society, and isolationist
foreign policy. Understanding the differences between North Korea and other states
sheds light on the complex interplay of factors influencing political systems,
economic development, societal structures, and foreign relations. By examining
these differences, we gain insights into the diverse paths taken by states and the
underlying reasons for variations in governance, prosperity, and international
engagement.

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