Russia’s close ties with North Korea and Iran represent diverging goals

Asia World

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These treaties reflect Moscow’s efforts to recalibrate its alliances amid global isolation. However, their differences reveal the Kremlin’s distinct approaches to Tehran and Pyongyang, shaped by each country’s strategic value to Moscow and its geopolitical priorities.

Both treaties are anchored in mutual respect for sovereignty, a shared opposition to unipolarity and aspirations for a multipolar world order. Yet, their objectives and commitments diverge significantly.

While the Russia-Iran treaty underscores economic and political cooperation with long-term strategic goals, the Russia-North Korea treaty focuses more on immediate defence needs. These contrasts highlight the nuanced strategies underpinning Moscow’s foreign policy as it seeks to secure alliances while navigating complex regional dynamics.

The Russia-North Korea treaty marks a striking shift in regional geopolitics. It explicitly includes mutual military aid, referencing Article 51 of the United Nations Charter while incorporating caveats requiring compliance with domestic laws. This legal framing allows both countries flexibility in their commitments, enabling Russia to avoid fully binding itself to North Korea’s defence while still projecting solidarity.

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The treaty also emphasises collective security measures, including consultations during crises, further aligning the two nations against perceived Western threats. Notably, the treaty outlines an indefinite duration with termination requiring a one-year notice period from either party, adding more weight to the two sides’ mutual security commitments.