A New Axis of Upheaval
North Korea, Russia, China, Iran
What does this burgeoning anti-Western alliance mean for global security in an increasingly erratic world?
Description
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, few expected North Korea to rush to Putin’s aid. Several years later, however, North Korea and Russia praise their ‘invincible alliance’. Pyongyang has supplied Moscow with millions of rounds of artillery and thousands of troops in exchange for financial, food and technological assistance. Moscow has also procured invaluable dual-use technologies from Beijing and drones from Tehran.
Edward Howell asks whether the rapprochement between North Korea, Russia, China and Iran represents a new authoritarian alliance or is merely a marriage of convenience. Taking North Korea’s perspective as its starting point and drawing upon new evidence—including interviews with government officials—A New Axis of Upheaval argues that while these states have distinct interests, their shared opposition to the post-war international order cannot be ignored. This compelling and timely account also explores the implications of these relations for the military-political hotspot of East Asia, particularly South Korea and its neighbours.
With North Korea likely to maintain its ties with Russia in a post–Ukraine War world, and China continuing to coerce the US and its allies, the West must prepare for the unsettling prospect that the axis of upheaval will persist longer than many hoped.
Table of contents
List of Abbreviations
Note on Spellings
Prologue
Acknowledgements
Introduction: A New Axis of Upheaval: North Korea, Russia, China, Iran
Chapter 1. The development of a hermit kingdom’s foreign policy
Chapter 2. Old friends with new benefits
Chapter 3. A new axis, alliance, or alignment
Chapter 4. The East Asian region: a hotbed of hotspots
Chapter 5. All about alliances: the legacies of history
Chapter 6. Trump 2.0: Making The World Safe Again?
Chapter 7. After Ukraine: the Korean Peninsula and the future of international order
Conclusion: A New Axis of Upheaval: Why We Should Care
Epilogue: Crisis or Consolidation for the Axis?
Appendices
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index
Reviews
‘Compellingly argued and grounded in solid evidence, this is a valuable resource. Highly recommended.’ — Yong-Chool Ha, Korea Foundation Professor of Korean Social Science, University of Washington
‘Howell’s expertise and experience shine throughout the book. A well-written and original contribution.’ — Ramon Pacheco Pardo, Professor of International Relations, King’s College London, and author of Shrimp to Whale: South Korea from the Forgotten War to K-Pop
Author(s)
Edward Howell DPhil is Lecturer and Research Fellow at the University of Oxford. Specialising in North and South Korean politics, he offers analysis for national and international media, including The Spectator and The Telegraph. He is the author of North Korea and the Global Nuclear Order: When Bad Behaviour Pays.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "A New Axis of Upheaval" about?
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, few expected North Korea to rush to Putin’s aid. Several years later, however, North Korea and Russia praise their ‘invincible alliance’. Pyongyang has supplied Moscow with millions of rounds of artillery and thousands of troops in exchange for financial, food and technological assistance. Moscow has also procured invaluable dual-use technologies from Beijing and drones from Tehran.
Edward Howell asks whether the rapprochement between North Korea, Russia, China and Iran represents a new authoritarian alliance or is merely a marriage of convenience. Taking North Korea’s perspective as its starting point and drawing upon new evidence—including interviews with government officials—A New Axis of Upheaval argues that while these states have distinct interests, their shared opposition to the post-war international order cannot be ignored. This compelling and timely account also explores the implications of these relations for the military-political hotspot of East Asia, particularly South Korea and its neighbours.
With North Korea likely to maintain its ties with Russia in a post–Ukraine War world, and China continuing to coerce the US and its allies, the West must prepare for the unsettling prospect that the axis of upheaval will persist longer than many hoped.
Who wrote "A New Axis of Upheaval"?
"A New Axis of Upheaval" was written by Edward Howell.
Edward Howell DPhil is Lecturer and Research Fellow at the University of Oxford. Specialising in North and South Korean politics, he offers analysis for national and international media, including The Spectator and The Telegraph. He is the author of North Korea and the Global Nuclear Order: When Bad Behaviour Pays.
What is the Table of Contents for "A New Axis of Upheaval"?
List of Abbreviations
Note on Spellings
Prologue
Acknowledgements
Introduction: A New Axis of Upheaval: North Korea, Russia, China, Iran
Chapter 1. The development of a hermit kingdom's foreign policy
Chapter 2. Old friends with new benefits
Chapter 3. A new axis, alliance, or alignment
Chapter 4. The East Asian region: a hotbed of hotspots
Chapter 5. All about alliances: the legacies of history
Chapter 6. Trump 2.0: Making The World Safe Again?
Chapter 7. After Ukraine: the Korean Peninsula and the future of international order
Conclusion: A New Axis of Upheaval: Why We Should Care
Epilogue: Crisis or Consolidation for the Axis?
Appendices
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index
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