A Study On North Korea's Autonomy Under The DPRK-PRC-USSR Trilateral Framework(1950-1969)

In the International studies,the three theories of triangle relations respectively developed by Dittmer,Bao Zonghe and Wu Yushan,Chen Zhimin have offered reasonable explanations for us to better understand some big strategic triangles like Sino-US-USSR relations,Sino-US-EU relations.However,these theories can not provide us explanations reasonable enough to understand the DPRK-Sino-USSR triangle relations which is characterized by highly asymmetrical power structure with one world state,one regional state and one small state.Thus,a triangle theory combining power structure and identity-interests perspectives is developed to further analysis the DPRK-Sino-USSR triangle relations.During the Cold War,highly asymmetrical power structure,polarized international environment together with the vulnerability and sensitivity of small state security determine the basic principle of DPRK with big powers,i.e.China and USSR,that is “obedience and loyalty in exchange for security assistance”.However,after historical comparative analysis between three period,1950 to 1956,1957 to 1960,and1961 to 1969,research shows that although DPRK was confined by Sino-USSR power structure,it also gained internal autonomy excluding interference from outside and some external independence.From the identity-interests perspective,with two national identity—socialist country and national state—took turns leading DPRK's behavior,it finally chose to conduct a pragmatic foreign policy based on national interests;from the perspective of power structure,the two mutually hostile blocs and DPRK-Sino-USSR power structure with highly asymmetrical feature both confined the foreign policies of DPRK,but when the power structure of triangle relations was under changing,it could gain some autonomy strategically.