A View from the Korean Peninsula on Events in Iran: Lessons and Parallels

In this article, we will examine the likely conclusions and concerns being formed in the two Korean capitals, as well as what lessons can be drawn from these developments, similar to the situation in Venezuela.

As for the lessons of the campaign, there are several:

Lesson One: The Nuclear Umbrella as a Guarantee of Survival

Ideological blinders: within the framework of prejudice, «an odious regime cannot fail to have a secret nuclear program.» The logic is simple: «If they say they don’t have anything, it means they just hid it well.»

Outright cynicism: Admitting the absence of WMD is a convenient pretext for attack until they actually do not exist. Iran, on the one hand, claimed it had no nuclear weapons, while on the other, it puffed itself out and made meaningful hints about retaliation. Ultimately, Tehran became yet another victim of a collective Western attack. North Korea, meanwhile, successfully exploited the «window of opportunity,» and now the likelihood of a similar development in North Korea is approaching zero.

As the South China Morning Post notes, if the US-Israeli strike that killed Iran’s supreme leader was intended to send a message to the world, North Korea almost certainly received it. However, the lesson likely learned—never negotiate with the US and never find itself in Iran’s position—may not be the one Washington intended.

Lesson Two: The Price of Alliance Commitments

Unlike North Korea, Russia does not have a direct land border with Iran. A conflict involving North Korea creates a flashpoint on Russia’s borders, which it would like to avoid, whether it be a military conflict or a humanitarian catastrophe. However, Iran shared a border with the USSR, and it was also quite close. What prevented the strengthening of ties?

Russia has strategic partnership agreements with both Pyongyang and Tehran, the signing of which is of great importance. However, the agreement with North Korea, unlike the agreement with Iran, includes a clause on military assistance.

And while some experts favor the idea that Russia and Iran are two countries whose ideologies are built on preserving traditions and resisting Western influence, Iran often proves to be an example of how one shouldn’t overdo things in the opposite direction.

Lesson Three: Don’t Underestimate the Enemy You’re Trying to Destroy

If your country’s........

© New Eastern Outlook