Abstract EN:

This research explores the evolution of the Soviet Union's Korea policy between 1985 and 1995, focusing on the correlation between Gorbachev's shifting power position within the Soviet leadership and the development of the Soviet Union's new policy toward the two Koreas. Power and policy in the Soviet Union's new policy toward the two Koreas. Power and policy in the Soviet Union and Russian political system often enjoyed a mutually reinforcing relationship, and foreign policy issues became entangled in the domestic political process. As Gorbachev's power position improved, and his reform policy (New Political Thinking) was refined, Soviet policy toward the two Koreas correspondingly evolved in three phases : (1) Gorbachev rising : the formulation of the new political thinking (March 1985-summer 1988) ; (2) Gorbachev ascendant : the implementation of the new policy (summer 1988-fall 1990) ; and (3) Gorbachev in decline : the continuing momentum of the new policy (fall 1990-summer 1991). In late 1990-1991, Soviet-Korea policy was characterized by and undisguised tilt toward Seoul, nevertheless, the Soviets did not consider Soviet relations with the two Koreas to be a zero-sum game. Moscow sought to establish a balanced relationship with both Pyongyang and Seoul, and hoped to play an active role in peace and security on the Korean peninsula. From June 1991 events affected Moscow's relations with both North and South Korea, undermining Moscow's efforts to maintain some semblance of balance in these relationships. The process of change in Soviet Korean policy was accelerated after the USSR fell apart in December 1991 and the Russian federation assumed responsibility for Moscow's international obligations. In 1994, after two years of Kozirev-Yeltsin foreign policy, Moscow's policy became more realistic and less western-oriented. The Kremlin decided to re-evaluate his relations with the DPRK, who, after all, has been a brother state and was still valuable for the Russian economic interests.