The Impact of Strengthened Russia–North Korea Relations on International Politics

Abstract

This study investigates the structural implications of the deepening Russia–North Korea relationship on the security order in Northeast Asia and the broader international system. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and subsequent Western sanctions, Moscow has expanded strategic cooperation with Pyongyang, while North Korea has sought to enhance its military capabilities and economic resilience through closer ties with Russia. This transformation goes beyond a mere bilateral relationship, involving significant changes in international politics such as the undermining of the UN sanctions regime, the reconfiguration of the Northeast Asian order, and the strengthening of the neo-imperial order. Employing theoretical frameworks from realism, complex interdependence theory, and regionalism, this study identifies the drivers of Russia–North Korea cooperation and systematically analyzes developments across military, technological, and economic domains. The findings suggest that the bilateral partnership intensifies security dilemmas, enables non-traditional forms of interdependence, and undermines international norms. The paper concludes with policy implications for South Korea and the international community, emphasizing the need for recalibrated deterrence strategies, strengthened monitoring of sanctions evasion, and renewed diplomatic efforts to restore multilateral norms and regional stability.