North Korea's Regional Relations 2003 - 2006

Korea, a divided and warring nation has experienced a sense of suspension since 1952. While this year is considered the end of the Korean War for the West, for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and for the Republic of Korea the war continues. North Korea's Regional Relations is an insight into the social history and the context of why North Korea has become what it is today. This study examines the social relationships between North Korea and its most intimate neighbours South Korea, China and Japan. Unfolding the social history between these neighbours allows us to better understand the frictions and the tensions that exist within these very different relationships. This thesis explores a myriad of intertwining aspects within these social relations, predominantly political, economic and cultural cases. North Korea's Regional Relations seeks to understand which of North Korea’s neighbours is its greatest friend and ally in an increasingly hostile global environment.