Military-first policy

Definition

The military-first policy, known as 'Songun' in North Korea, prioritizes the military's needs and interests above all else in the state's political and economic agenda. This approach solidifies the military's power within the regime, ensuring that it receives significant resources and support, which in turn helps maintain the leadership's control over the country and its citizens.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The military-first policy was officially adopted in the 1990s under Kim Jong-il, following the death of Kim Il-sung, as a response to both domestic challenges and external threats.
2. Under this policy, resources are heavily allocated to the military at the expense of other sectors such as agriculture and healthcare, often leading to significant humanitarian issues.
3. The military-first approach reinforces the idea of military loyalty to the ruling family, creating a strong bond between the military leadership and the Kim dynasty.
4. North Korea's development of nuclear weapons has been closely tied to its military-first policy, as the regime views nuclear capability as essential for maintaining power and deterring foreign intervention.
5. The military-first policy has led to increased tensions with South Korea and the international community, contributing to ongoing conflicts and sanctions against North Korea.

Review Questions

• How does the military-first policy impact resource allocation in North Korea?
  • The military-first policy significantly influences resource allocation in North Korea by prioritizing military needs over other essential sectors like healthcare and agriculture. This means that a majority of national resources are directed towards strengthening the military, often resulting in food shortages and poor living conditions for ordinary citizens. The emphasis on military readiness takes precedence over addressing humanitarian needs, reflecting how deeply ingrained this policy is in North Korean governance.
• Discuss the relationship between the military-first policy and North Korea's nuclear strategy.
  • The relationship between the military-first policy and North Korea's nuclear strategy is central to understanding its national security framework. By prioritizing military advancement, North Korea has invested heavily in developing its nuclear capabilities, viewing them as crucial for deterrence against perceived threats from adversaries. This approach not only aims to solidify internal control but also serves as a bargaining chip in international relations, enhancing the regime's leverage during negotiations.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the military-first policy on North Korean society and international relations.
  • The long-term implications of the military-first policy on North Korean society include deepening economic hardships, exacerbating humanitarian crises, and entrenching a militarized culture among citizens. This focus on militarization has led to widespread poverty and inadequate public services while fostering a narrative of external threats that justifies continued repression. On an international level, this policy contributes to ongoing tensions with neighboring countries and global powers, complicating diplomatic efforts aimed at denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Related terms

Kim Il-sung: The founding leader of North Korea, whose leadership established the military-first policy as a cornerstone of North Korean governance.

Juche: The state ideology of North Korea that emphasizes self-reliance and independence from foreign influence, often intertwined with the military-first policy.

Nuclear deterrence: A strategy employed by North Korea to develop nuclear weapons as a means of ensuring national security and asserting military strength.