Taylor
White
International
Relations
Professor
Shirk
September
17, 2017
North Korea the Epitome of a Realist
State
Realism is a political theory that emphasizes
the role of the state and believes that each state is driven by national interest.
No state’s security and survival is guaranteed, so each must build its military
to protect itself. A state’s economy is important solely because it helps to
build the military. Also, in order to show the world that it is secure, it will
employ its cultural power to project a positive image. North Korea is a country
based upon realism. Through the nation’s proliferation of nuclear missiles, its
delegation of 22% of its GDP to the military, and its extravagant displays of a
citizenry dedicated to their leader Kim Jon-un, North Korea proves to be the epitome
of a realist state.
North Korea constantly flexes its
military might. It seems that each week there is another headline stating that
the country has launched another missile. While to the rest of the world the
country’s actions seem unwarranted or unnecessary, such displays of force
highlight the country’s realist manor. North Korea is constantly worried about
its security. A major point in the realism philosophy is the security dilemma.
Essentially one state’s security is another state’s insecurity. Since the
United States performer join military exercises with South Korea’s military
near its border with North Korea, North Korea is therefore threatened by the
South’s relative power. As a result, North Korea creates and launches missiles,
to show that it too is a dominant force. Since North Korea views its military as
its key to survival, it dedicates a large amount of money to it. In order to
increase their military power and to protect themselves, the country must
invest in its military. North Korea and its leader are so dedicated to their security
that they spend at least 22% of their GDP on their military. The country’s willingness
to spend so much on its military shows other countries just how far the state
is willing to ensure its survival. The country’s displays of patriotism play
into its realist identity. On the country’s birthday, news outlets report
crowds of people outside celebrating. During these celebrations, the military
is always seen marching, another show of its dominance. Also, citizens are
always seen praising Kim Jon-un on camera. The country wants its citizens to
appear dedicated to their leader in order to show the world that they are a
stable and unified state.
North Korea is the definition of a
realist state. Its military, economic, and cultural power is all meant to provide
security and ensure survival. While North Korea’s actions seem unpredictable, after
analyzing the features of realism, it is understood that their actions are not
so unpredictable after all.
Hi Taylor! Very insightful post- just one portion that I want to hone in on and ask you some questions about. You said "While to the rest of the world the country’s actions seem unwarranted or unnecessary, such displays of force highlight the country’s realist manor". While yes, their extreme use of military is a very "realist" thing to do, do you truly think it is for their security or do you believe there is vengeance there. After all, the Korean War resulted in massive resentment towards The United States from North Koreans. While I believe that NK civilians would advocate against a nuclear war (for their own safety), I do believe they blame the United States for much of this current conflict. I do believe that America tries to undermine the issue and deflect blame onto North Korea, when in actuality there is still a lot of strong feelings. Think about it, if Kim Jon was just crazy, wouldn't he also be threatening every country?
ReplyDeleteI believe looking at it strictly from a realist point of view then it is for their security. In reality, I agree with you it is for vengeance. I believe that in response to what America has done in the region, that Kim Jon-un finds this type of action necessary. To me, I believe that he will always see America as a threat to his regime, and that his ever-increasing military is as a result of this belief. Also, I believe that America deflects a lot of the blame. It is easier for America to point the blame at someone else than it is for the country to admit that is the reason that the region is so unstable. During the Korean War I do not believe that Americans thought tensions would reach the height that they are at now.
DeleteI believe that from the outside looking in North Korea seems like a realist country but I don't believe they are actually realists. Even though they talk a lot about destroying America and so forth are they really a realist country if they talk a lot without actually declaring war. In the times of real realism (the Otto Von Bismarck era) there was always war. Now a days it seems that North Korea just puts on this huge military act for show and wont actually do anything with their military. I believe that North Korea sounds like the token realist state but I don't believe they have actually done anything besides spend a bunch of money. I believe that they are spending all that money to look cool.
ReplyDeleteI believe that when you strictly look at the definition of realism, that North Korea is the perfect realist state. Their showmanship and grandeur surrounding their military confirms that they believe their military is the key to their survival. I believe that they are spending money on their military because they believe it is key to their survival. Obviously I do not agree with all of Korea's actions and I understand that it is an unstable state, but I believe that they feel threatened constantly by countries such as the US and that they feel that they must expand on their military in order to secure their future.
DeleteFor the most part I agree with the premise of this blog. I think you're accurate in describing North Korea as a realist state and that they believe in the need to set off missiles to show South Korea, The United States, and the rest of the world their military power. However, as much as I do believe North Korea to be hostile I don't think they would set of a nuclear missile unless they were attacked first. For North Korea, setting off a missile is basically a suicide mission as the rest of the world would practiacally declare war on them. So why I do think North Korea will keep building their military and acting with a realist mentality they will not act unless acted upon.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you John. I believe that North Korea views its missile as a defense system and is willing to launch them over open waters to prove a point, but I find it very hard to believe that they are brave enough to launch one to places such as Japan, Guam, or mainland USA.
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