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@article{ART003309151},
author={Jang Ikhyun and 류태경},
title={A Strategic Analysis of North Korea’s Conditions for Accepting Foreign Aid since 1953},
journal={Analyses & Alternatives},
issn={2508-822X},
year={2026},
volume={10},
number={1},
pages={45-69},
doi={10.22931/aanda.2026.10.1.002}

TY - JOUR
AU - Jang Ikhyun
AU - 류태경
TI - A Strategic Analysis of North Korea’s Conditions for Accepting Foreign Aid since 1953
JO - Analyses & Alternatives
PY - 2026
VL - 10
IS - 1
PB - Korea Consensus Institute
SP - 45
EP - 69
SN - 2508-822X
AB - This study provides a historical analysis of North Korea's strategic choices, navigating the inherent contradiction between its state ideology of 'Juche' (self-reliance) and the necessity of accepting foreign aid for regime survival. From the post-war reconstruction of the 1950s, which relied on "fraternal support" from the socialist bloc, to the life-saving humanitarian assistance during the 1990s "Arduous March," and the framing of the KEDO project as "just compensation," Pyongyang's approach to aid has evolved according to the nature of each crisis. The analysis reveals that North Korea's acceptance of aid is not a passive behavior but an active, calculated state strategy with regime security and sovereignty as its highest principles. Internally, Pyongyang reinterprets aid to uphold ideological legitimacy; externally, it wields it as a diplomatic lever. It consistently resists external demands for monitoring and transparency, citing "sovereignty infringement" to maintain absolute control. This demonstrates North Korea's unique view of aid as a strategic asset for political messaging and negotiation, not merely as an economic resource. Therefore, effective future engagement policies must be based on a deep understanding of this strategic calculus.
KW - North Korea open;Unification;economic cooperation
DO - 10.22931/aanda.2026.10.1.002
ER -

Jang Ikhyun and 류태경. (2026). A Strategic Analysis of North Korea’s Conditions for Accepting Foreign Aid since 1953. Analyses & Alternatives, 10(1), 45-69.

Jang Ikhyun and 류태경. 2026, "A Strategic Analysis of North Korea’s Conditions for Accepting Foreign Aid since 1953", Analyses & Alternatives, vol.10, no.1 pp.45-69. Available from: doi:10.22931/aanda.2026.10.1.002

Jang Ikhyun, 류태경 "A Strategic Analysis of North Korea’s Conditions for Accepting Foreign Aid since 1953" Analyses & Alternatives 10.1 pp.45-69 (2026) : 45.

Jang Ikhyun, 류태경. A Strategic Analysis of North Korea’s Conditions for Accepting Foreign Aid since 1953. 2026; 10(1), 45-69. Available from: doi:10.22931/aanda.2026.10.1.002

Jang Ikhyun and 류태경. "A Strategic Analysis of North Korea’s Conditions for Accepting Foreign Aid since 1953" Analyses & Alternatives 10, no.1 (2026) : 45-69.doi: 10.22931/aanda.2026.10.1.002

Jang Ikhyun; 류태경. A Strategic Analysis of North Korea’s Conditions for Accepting Foreign Aid since 1953. Analyses & Alternatives, 10(1), 45-69. doi: 10.22931/aanda.2026.10.1.002

Jang Ikhyun; 류태경. A Strategic Analysis of North Korea’s Conditions for Accepting Foreign Aid since 1953. Analyses & Alternatives. 2026; 10(1) 45-69. doi: 10.22931/aanda.2026.10.1.002

Jang Ikhyun, 류태경. A Strategic Analysis of North Korea’s Conditions for Accepting Foreign Aid since 1953. 2026; 10(1), 45-69. Available from: doi:10.22931/aanda.2026.10.1.002

Jang Ikhyun and 류태경. "A Strategic Analysis of North Korea’s Conditions for Accepting Foreign Aid since 1953" Analyses & Alternatives 10, no.1 (2026) : 45-69.doi: 10.22931/aanda.2026.10.1.002