This paper addresses a theoretical and an empirical question. First, the paper argues that general theories of comparative analysis of political systems can indeed be used to study the "special case" of North Korea. This addresses the question of how to conduct research on the "hermit kingdom". By using an established framework deductively, the paper proposes a way to conduct research on North Korea amid a lack of reliable data.
North Korea is thereby seen as an extreme case of an autocracy in order that however, enables researchers to observe special structural features more explicitly than in autocracies. The implicit argument here is that North Korea is comparable to other autocracies and only varies in the strength of certain characteristics such as regime type or internal dynamics. Second, the paper investigates empirically whether autocracies use foreign policy for internal legitimation and if so, what strategies are they pursuing? This paper argues that autocrats can basically use four strategies to use foreign policy as a source of legitimation. Making use of a framework developed by Kneuer the case of North Korea is examined to illustrate the argument.
A within-case analysis is used to investigate the extent to which each of the three Kims used foreign policy as a means of generating legitimation. The results suggest that all three used similar strategies but depending on their respective legitimation deficits. Overall, it is advocated to take a closer look at the influence of foreign policy on domestic dynamics. This has so far been largely neglected. This becomes particularly evident when it comes to the question of the possibilities for North Korean denuclearization. Viewed as a domestic legitimation measures, it becomes more questionable whether North Korea will abandon its weapons anytime soon.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Theoretical framework
- The North Korean regime
- Legitimation in North Korea
- Foreign policy as a legitimation strategy for autocratic regimes (Kneuer 2013)
- Applicability to North Korea
- Methodology & Data
- Empirical Analysis
- Foreign patron as source of legitimation
- Transfer of external to internal legitimacy deficits
- The formulation of external performance goals for internal legitimation generation
- Externalization of domestic legitimacy deficits
- Conclusion and discussion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper investigates the use of foreign policy by autocratic regimes, specifically North Korea, for domestic legitimation. It aims to demonstrate the applicability of comparative political science theories to the North Korean case, despite data limitations. The study examines how the three Kim leaders utilized foreign policy strategies to bolster their rule.
- The applicability of comparative political science theories to the North Korean context.
- The role of foreign policy in the legitimation of autocratic regimes.
- The specific foreign policy strategies employed by the three Kim leaders in North Korea.
- The relationship between foreign policy and domestic legitimacy in North Korea.
- The implications of this relationship for North Korea's denuclearization prospects.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Abstract: This abstract introduces the paper's dual focus: theoretically arguing for the applicability of general comparative political system analyses to the North Korean case, and empirically investigating whether North Korea utilizes foreign policy for internal legitimation and, if so, what strategies it employs. It highlights the paper's methodology, a within-case analysis using Kneuer's (2013) framework, and briefly presents the finding that all three Kim leaders used similar foreign policy legitimation strategies, though tailored to their specific legitimacy needs. The abstract emphasizes the under-researched influence of foreign policy on domestic dynamics and its relevance to North Korean denuclearization.
Introduction: This chapter establishes North Korea as a puzzling case due to its aggressive foreign policy, particularly its nuclear program, and its highly repressive nature. It outlines two existing research strands in political science concerning North Korea: one focusing on international relations and the other on comparative politics. The chapter then introduces the paper's main argument: that classical comparative politics theories can offer valuable insights into understanding North Korea and that foreign policy is a significant factor in the regime's resilience. The chapter concludes by outlining the paper's structure and methodology, focusing on Kneuer's framework to analyze the impact of North Korean foreign policy on regime stability. The chapter emphasizes the under-researched link between foreign policy and domestic processes in understanding the North Korean regime.
Theoretical framework: This chapter defines autocracy and discusses its implications for legitimation strategies. It establishes North Korea as a “hard” autocracy, engaging with debates about its regime type (totalitarian, personalist, or one-party) and the influence of the Kim family, the military, and the Korean Labor Party. The chapter argues that existing theoretical knowledge about other autocracies can help explain empirical observations in North Korea, where data is scarce. It introduces the concept of legitimation and its connection to regime stability, setting the stage for the analysis of North Korea's foreign policy strategies.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
North Korea, foreign policy, regime legitimation, autocracy, comparative politics, Kim dynasty, nuclear weapons, denuclearization, Kneuer's framework, internal legitimacy, external legitimacy, within-case analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of North Korean Foreign Policy and Regime Legitimation
What is the main topic of this research paper?
The paper investigates how North Korea uses foreign policy to maintain its domestic legitimacy. It explores the strategies employed by the three Kim leaders to bolster their rule and examines the relationship between foreign policy and domestic stability within the context of a highly repressive autocratic regime.
What is the methodology used in this research?
The study employs a within-case analysis, focusing on North Korea. It utilizes Kneuer's (2013) framework for analyzing foreign policy as a legitimation strategy for autocratic regimes. The research acknowledges the challenges of data limitations in studying North Korea.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the applicability of comparative political science theories to the North Korean context; the role of foreign policy in the legitimation of autocratic regimes; the specific foreign policy strategies of the three Kim leaders; the relationship between foreign policy and domestic legitimacy in North Korea; and the implications of this relationship for North Korea's denuclearization prospects.
What theoretical framework is used?
The paper uses a theoretical framework that defines autocracy and its implications for legitimation strategies. It discusses North Korea as a "hard" autocracy, considering debates about its regime type and the influence of key actors such as the Kim family, the military, and the Korean Labor Party. The framework emphasizes the importance of understanding how foreign policy contributes to regime stability.
What are the chapter summaries?
The abstract introduces the paper's dual focus: theoretical applicability to North Korea and empirical investigation of foreign policy's role in internal legitimation. The introduction highlights North Korea's puzzling case, outlining existing research and introducing the main argument. The theoretical framework defines autocracy and legitimation, establishing the context for analysis. Further chapters detail the methodology, empirical analysis of foreign policy strategies under the three Kim leaders, and concluding discussion.
What are the key findings of the research?
The research suggests that all three Kim leaders employed similar foreign policy legitimation strategies, albeit tailored to their specific legitimacy needs. It highlights the under-researched connection between foreign policy and domestic processes in understanding the resilience of the North Korean regime and its implications for denuclearization.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: North Korea, foreign policy, regime legitimation, autocracy, comparative politics, Kim dynasty, nuclear weapons, denuclearization, Kneuer's framework, internal legitimacy, external legitimacy, and within-case analysis.
What is the significance of this research?
The research contributes to a better understanding of North Korea's political dynamics by applying comparative political science theories and highlighting the crucial role of foreign policy in maintaining regime stability. It sheds light on the complex interplay between internal and external factors influencing North Korea's behavior and its denuclearization prospects.
- Quote paper
- Julian Klose (Author), 2020, Legitimation In North Korea. Foreign Policy As A Strategy To Legitimize The Kims?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/977820
