As an investor, understanding the economic conditions and incentives driving international conflicts can provide valuable insights into market trends and potential opportunities. One such area of interest is the recent reports of North Korean soldiers joining the war effort alongside Russia. The conditions in North Korea are dire, with many individuals facing malnutrition and economic hardship. It is not surprising that enlisting in the war effort may have been a necessity for some, with Putin offering incentives that are hard to refuse.
Gathering accurate data from North Korea is a challenge, but estimates suggest that the average monthly salary in the country ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 North Korean won (equivalent to $1 to $3 USD). In contrast, soldiers fighting in Russia are reportedly earning around $2,000 USD per month, with non-combat roles fetching about $800 USD. The disparity in wages and living conditions between the two countries is striking, highlighting the economic desperation that may be driving North Korean soldiers to join the war effort.
In addition to economic incentives, Russia has also agreed to provide North Korea with much-needed food supplies. North Korea’s government-controlled food production has long been inadequate, leading to chronic food shortages and famine. Russia’s offer of up to 700,000 tons of rice to supplement North Korea’s grain needs is a crucial lifeline for the isolated nation. In return, Pyongyang is believed to be paying for the rice through arms deals, further entrenching its relationship with Moscow.
The potential impact of a Trump victory on North Korea’s decision to align with Russia is also worth noting. The prospect of a US withdrawal from Ukraine, a key ally of North Korea, could have influenced Pyongyang’s strategic calculations. The Institute for National Security Strategy (INSS) suggests that North Korea sought to solidify its ties with Moscow preemptively, fearing the consequences of a post-election shift in US foreign policy.
For the North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian troops, the incentives of financial gain and access to food are significant. However, the long-term implications of their participation in the war effort are uncertain. Rumors suggest that these soldiers may not be allowed to return to North Korea after the conflict, as their exposure to the outside world could undermine the regime’s propaganda. Their firsthand experiences of poverty and dictatorship may sow seeds of dissent among their peers, posing a potential challenge to North Korea’s oppressive regime.
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