Sanctions, Security and Regional Development in Russia's Policies Toward North Korea
Anthony V. Rinna
In light
of North Korean security provocations, the Kremlin has consistently supported
the UN's punitive economic measures against Pyongyang; even as economic
collaboration with the DPRK is part of a Russian bid to economically invigorate
the Russian Far East. This paper argues that Moscow has faced a choice between
pursuing its own interests in terms of bilateral relations with the DPRK and
participating in a collaborative manner with other states involved in the
Korean security debacle, opting for the latter. Even as North Korea is a
crucial part of Russia's plans to economically develop its Asiatic territories,
the Kremlin perceives that it cannot refuse to join other countries in
implementing punitive measures against Pyongyang, even while inconveniencing
its own economic interests.