북러 조약의 쟁점과 의미･전망

Abstract

Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, North Korea and Russia have maintained a highly cooperative relationship. On June 19, 2024, North Korea and Russia ultimately signed a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty.” This treaty includes provisions that can be interpreted as an automatic intervention clause, leading to assessments that the North Korea-Russia relationship is evolving back into a military alliance. Additionally, Russia has effectively recognized North Korea’s status as a nuclear-armed state through this treaty. It is anticipated that Russia will actively support North Korea with the technology needed to enhance its nuclear capabilities, given that North Korea has once again become a Russian ally. Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, North Korea and Russia have maintained a highly cooperative relationship. On June 19, 2024, North Korea and Russia ultimately signed a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty.” This treaty includes provisions that can be interpreted as an automatic intervention clause, leading to assessments that the North Korea-Russia relationship is evolving back into a military alliance. Additionally, Russia has effectively recognized North Korea’s status as a nuclear-armed state through this treaty. It is anticipated that Russia will actively support North Korea with the technology needed to enhance its nuclear capabilities, given that North Korea has once again become a Russian ally. This paper aims to explore why the North Korea-Russia treaty was formed, what its significance is, and how South Korea should prepare in response. To achieve this, the paper will first conduct a theoretical discussion to frame the overall debate. Then, it will examine the main contents and issues of the North Korea-Russia treaty and its significance. Finally, the paper will forecast how this treaty might evolve in the future and propose strategic approaches for South Korea.