By Matt Underwood Sending troops to help Russia was apparently North Korea’s idea, according to U.S. officials. This seemingly bizarre proposition makes a surprising amount of sense when considering the potential benefits for Kim Jong Un. The loss of North Korean soldier lives isn’t a major concern for him; it’s a way to solve the problem of having too many mouths to feed, providing a revenue stream simultaneously. This action also bolsters the nationalistic narrative within North Korea, emphasizing wartime conditions and justifying even stricter control of the population.
This could be viewed as North Korea testing the waters in the mercenary market, exploring the possibilities of becoming a provider of military forces for hire. If successful, Kim could potentially create a lucrative market for himself amongst authoritarian regimes worldwide. In this context, the deal offers more than just financial gains. For North Korea, it presents an opportunity for its soldiers to gain invaluable real-world combat experience, a stark contrast to their decades-old training and tactics. This practical experience, particularly for surviving officers and commanders, would significantly enhance the capabilities of the North Korean military.
Furthermore, access to Russian technology and military know-how is a significant incentive. North Korea has long sought to acquire advanced Russian weaponry and has made previous attempts, hampered by international sanctions. This deal potentially offers a way to circumvent these sanctions and gain access to much-needed technology. The potential for obtaining insights into Russian missile technology and other advanced systems represents a significant boost to North Korean military capabilities.
Another layer of strategic benefit involves the internal dynamics of North Korea. The deployment of troops could be a calculated move to eliminate less loyal regiments, consolidating Kim’s power base. The narrative of North Korea bravely confronting the West also gets a major boost. By participating in the war, they can reinforce the long-standing narrative of the West trying to destroy them, a narrative crucial to maintaining control over the population. It strengthens the image of North Korea as a strong, defiant nation even though the reality is very different.
The survival rate of the deployed troops is not expected to be high, but that isn’t necessarily detrimental to Kim’s plans. Even a small number of returning soldiers would provide valuable firsthand experience in modern warfare, upgrading the North Korean military’s capabilities in terms of training, command and strategy. The remaining soldiers who return, though possibly traumatized, would possess critical combat knowledge and experience which are hard to obtain without actual warfare. The losses are a cost of doing business, with more benefit than risk for the North Korean government.
Some might speculate that this is a cynical move, even callous. But the North Korean leadership’s actions are driven by pragmatic considerations, rather than concerns for the well-being of its soldiers. It’s a calculated risk, aimed at enhancing the nation’s military capabilities, expanding its international influence, and securing much-needed resources. The strategic advantages of securing Russian technology, bolstering military expertise, and solidifying domestic power far outweigh the cost of human lives in this scenario. The whole situation shows North Korea’s willingness to take advantage of geopolitical instability to improve its position and power. The observation that the world is watching the utilization of new technologies in the Ukraine conflict, especially drone technology, also seems to be a key driver for this military action, even if implicitly. Finally, it’s clear that from this perspective, the sending of troops isn’t just a military decision but also a critical element of domestic policy and international relations for North Korea.