Click Here 111. Mic Drop: Arms control expert Jeffrey Lewis on North Korea’s new BFF in Moscow
Mar 8, 2024
Topics discussed include North Korean missiles in Ukraine, Kim Jong-un's diplomatic maneuvers with Trump and Putin, implications of North Korea-Russia alliance on weapons proliferation, and the strategic dynamic between North Korea and Russia.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
North Korea's Complex China Relations
- North Korea sees China as a giant, pushy neighbor whose hold feels bossy and not entirely welcome.
- Though dependent on China, North Korea prefers to balance power with Moscow to avoid suffocating dependence on Beijing.
Return to Russia as Ally
- North Korea is renewing its Cold War-era relationship with Russia to gain a less intrusive ally.
- The Russia-North Korea alliance is strengthening amid deteriorated ties with China.
Russia-North Korea Weapon Tech Transfer
- Russia is likely transferring weapon and rocket technology to North Korea to maintain a low-cost munitions supplier.
- This will enable North Korea to modernize its arsenal and potentially shift global geopolitical dynamics.