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.