North Korea and the international system: The impact of the changing international environment on the economic trajectory of North Korea from the mid-1940's to the 1990's

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the development of the North Korean economy with a focus on the role of external factors. This study examines the relationship between the dynamics of the international/regional system and the development process of North Korea throughout the last five decades. As a result of researching North Korea's economic performance and problems within this focus, this thesis finds that the development course of North Korea has been profoundly influenced by external forces. It is demonstrated that the changes in the international system have been a determining factor in shaping North Korean development. Despite the North Korean regime's persistent emphasis on self-reliance, its economy has been greatly affected by the changing Cold-War environment. The impact of changing international situations on the North Korean economy has been both beneficial and detrimental. This study identifies some obstacles to North Korean development which arose from outside and consequently argues that the disruption of the North Korean economy in the 1990's is largely related to unfavorable changes in the international system.