PYQ Relevance:

Prelims:
With reference to the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements:
1. It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia.
2. It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC CSE 2016)
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Mains:
1. “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, which is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (UPSC CSE 2021)

2. What is the significance of Indo-US defense deals over Indo-Russian defense deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC CSE 2020)

Note4Students:

Mains: Geopolitical and challenges over the Globe;

Prelims: International Relations; Major Powers;

Mentor comments: Russia and North Korea relationship has been strengthening since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with both countries preparing for a summit between their leaders in 2024. Both countries share common challenges and strategic objectives. With Indian perspective, we need to be aware as these recent changes can lead to the beginning of a trio, Russia-North Korea-China, in the Asian continent.

Let’s learn.

Why in the News?

Recently, the strengthening of Russia and North Korea ties can be a challenging geo-political factor through Global security.

Context:

Recently, since the Russia-Ukraine war, North Korea and Russia have been discussing cooperation in sensitive areas.
They are exploring energy collaboration and have been engaged in infrastructure projects. The partnership has far-reaching implications for regional stability and global geopolitics.

Common Challenges and shared strategic objectives between both Countries:

Energy collaboration: Energy collaboration has also formed another crucial aspect of the partnership. Russia has been a key supplier of fuel to North Korea.
- Moscow needs arms, artillery, rockets, and missiles to sustain its invasion of Ukraine while Pyongyang is in dire need of commodities and food. Therefore the mainstay of bilateral cooperation is the food-for-arms agreement.
- This has raised concerns about the potential for increased belligerence on the part of Pyongyang, which could destabilize the Korean Peninsula and East Asia.
Resource cooperation: Russia has emerged as a potential savior for North Korean development in sectors such as energy and transportation, and even in addressing Pyongyang’s chronic food shortages.
Infrastructure cooperation: Infrastructure projects such as the Rajin-Khasan railway linking Russia to North Korea’s Rajin port, have bolstered economic cooperation.

How does this relationship have far-reaching Implications for Regional Stability and Geopolitics?

The American factor: The strain in relations with Western countries has led Russia and North Korea to adjust their foreign policy priorities. Russia sees engagement with North Korea as a way to influence security dynamics in Northeast Asia, particularly concerning the US and its allies.
- For example, The North Korean Foreign Minister in October 2023 observed that powerful ties between Moscow and Pyongyang could potentially offset the US-led efforts of a strong alliance between Washington (US), Tokyo (Japan), and Seoul (S. Korea).
The China factor: Russia, often in diplomatic collaboration with China, underscores a desire to shape regional security architecture independently of Western influence.
- In Feb 2024, the US imposed sanctions on the producer of the car against Russia. The sanctions and trade restrictions also targeted Chinese firms that the U.S. said were assisting Russia’s war.

What does it mean for the world? (Way Forward)

Need for Western strategy: The West’s strategic goals in the Ukraine war involve rationalizing with Russia, supporting democracy, and reconstructing Ukraine post-war.
Need for Trans-Atlantic alliance: While Russia has endured casualties and the long-term effects of sanctions, China has remained relatively unscathed. The war in Ukraine has highlighted the need for broader support beyond the trans-Atlantic alliance, including major economies like India.
Abiding by the Global South: Involving the Global South in Ukraine’s reconstruction and sanctions against Russia is seen as crucial for shaping postwar geopolitics.

Practice Question:
Russia- North Korea’s deepening ties are based on common challenges and shared strategic objectives. In the light of the above statement, discuss its far-reaching implication on global geo-politics.

Approach for the Answer:

1. Introduction:
Theme: Russia-North korea Deepening ties

2. Body:
Demand 1: Common challenges and shared objectives of their deepening ties
Demand 2: Implication on global geopolitics of their deepening ties

3. Way Forward:
Give suggestions to address the negative implications of their ties on global geo-politics.