Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-kr.png "Flag of Korea (South)") | Korea (South) |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
North Korea threatens to close border with South Korea
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| Summary |
North Korea has threatened to close its south border and cutting off all communication with South Korea. Although the North has cited “confrontation activities” as the reason for this shut down, the “propaganda leaflets sent by civic groups (in South Korea) are considered to be the real reason behind the threat.” These groups are sending leaflets over the border in balloons, which claim that Kim Jong-Il’s health is failing and explain “the concept of freedom.” This leaflet campaign is considered “psychological warfare” by the North and has prompted this threat to close the border and “risks provoking military confrontation."
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| Analysis |
Although tensions between the North and South have long persisted, this current situation seems to have negated any progress made between the two states. The propaganda campaign has attempted to spread ideas and therefore, connect these two societies. The spread and sharing of ideas has been something that North Korea’s regime has been obstinately opposed to and has strictly regulated. North Korea has been disconnected from the globalized world, where the spread of ideas and culture has been prevalent. In addition to this lack of information, the people of North Korea do not share a common identity with South Korea or the rest of the world. It has been isolated and has therefore, formed a different and exclusive identity. This does not promote or facilitate change. Therefore, North Korea has remained isolated and this has shaped their relations with other states.
The propaganda campaign’s goal was to inform the people of North Korea about their leader. This has threatened the regime and their strict control of the information that the people receive. This attack from the South is an attempt to reach the minds and hearts of the people. It does not test the North militarily or in an economic sense, but it undermines the firm grip that Kim Jong-Il has maintained. The personal nature of the propaganda regarding Jong-Il’s health has elicited the strong response of closing the border and cutting off all communication. This signifies the importance of ideas and the possible impact that they have on a people and ultimately, a state. Obviously, North Korea takes the spread of ideas very seriously and views this “attack” as a threat to the state.
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| Perspective |  | Identity |
| In-Region URL | ||
| Out-of-Region URL | ||
| Submitted | November 12, 2008 at 11:35 pm | |
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