Politics in North Korea
Overview
The politics of North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), takes place within the framework of a centralized, single-party state, where the Korean Workers' Party (KWP) is the ruling party. The country's political system is built upon the principle of centralization, with the KWP maintaining a monopoly on political power.
Political System
The political system of North Korea is characterized by its unique ideology known as Juche, which is a form of Korean nationalism developed by the country's first leader, Kim Il-sung. The Juche ideology emphasizes self-reliance, independence, and national sovereignty.
The state is governed by the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA), the highest organ of state power and the only legislative body. The SPA is responsible for electing the President, the Premier, and the members of the National Defence Commission, the highest military body in the country.
Role of the Korean Workers' Party
The Korean Workers' Party is the founding and ruling political party of North Korea. The KWP is organized according to the Monolithic Ideological System and the Great Leader theory. The party's highest body, the Central Committee, is elected by the party congress and in turn elects the Political Bureau and its Presidium.
Leadership
The leadership of North Korea has been a family dynasty since the country's inception following World War II. The country's first leader, Kim Il-sung, was succeeded by his son, Kim Jong-il, and then his grandson, Kim Jong-un. The leader holds the titles of General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Foreign Relations
North Korea's foreign relations are shaped by its commitment to Juche ideology, its military-first policy known as Songun, and its desire for reunification with South Korea. The country has diplomatic relations with many countries, but its relationships with the United States, South Korea, and Japan are particularly complex due to historical and political issues.
Human Rights
The issue of human rights in North Korea is a contentious one. The government has been accused of numerous human rights abuses, including lack of freedom of speech, movement, and assembly, arbitrary detention, and torture. The United Nations has issued several reports on the human rights situation in the country.