Sino-NK

While KNCA’s English page remains an essential resource, and the new Rodong Sinmun English version is similarly interesting, there is no substitute for reading the whole Korean paper every day, an action which is now possible (at least for readers outside the ROK firewall) thanks to North Korea’s expanded digital footprint.  SinoNK.com is therefore pleased to bring to readers a significant analysis of foreign affairs in the North Korean style which has been neither cited, discussed, or translated elsewhere.  What is it about the magazine Foreign Policy, or about Brzezinski’s analysis, that North Korean analysts find so attractive?  Could it be that the American statesman lards his writing with phrases like “stubborn Chinese nationalism”?  Readers can decide for themselves.The translation comes via the labor of Joe Litt, a Master’s student in Korean at Yonsei University in Seoul. — Editor

Cho Taek-beom [조택범], “미국의 조락설은 무엇을 시사해주는가 [What Are the Implications of the Collapse of America? ],” Rodong Sinmun, Jan. 19, 2012. http://www.rodong.rep.kp/InterKo/index.php?strPageID=SF01_02_01&newsID=2012-01-19-0050 .  Translated by Joe Litt.

Recently, [Zbigniew] Brzezinski, a former American presidential national security advisor, wrote some startling remarks in the American magazine, “Foreign Policy”. Some states worry about the collapse of the US and the attendant “negative effects” such a collapse could bring about. To summarize his article, the collapse of the US could bring about chaos, intensify friction between the great powers, lead to overt disorder, etc. [The collapse] will not bring about democracy, but will herald the victory of authoritarianism and nationalism as the basis of a “national security model.”

In his writing, [Brzezinski] says that Russia believes America has an “unclear future,” is locked in a daydream, and has eyes on the former Soviet republics. China, he says, will damage relations with its neighbors due to its rise [on the world stage] and persistent nationalism. What’s worse, he predicts that, in the event of the downfall of America, 21st century Asia will be characterized by brutality and violence like 20th century Europe. He also writes that American superiority and power are needed to maintain order in areas—such as maritime shipping lanes, space, cyberspace, and the environment—where the international community is weak.

In Brzezinski’s opinion, America’s collapse would have catastrophic effects on the world so many countries have to respect [American] foreign policy and follow along. Brzezinski, who is thoroughly filled with hardcore conservatism to to his bones, exposes his twisted way of thinking through this mass of contradictions. In the past he babbled that in order for the US to become a global hegemon, it must firmly [establish] a US-dominated system in three regions: the Germanic region, where Eastern and Western Europe meet; Afghanistan and the Middle East, where the US and the Soviet Union engaged in military confrontation; and East Asia, including the Korean Peninsula. Brzeznski’s propositions, which are consistent with American-esque arrogance, and his overconfidence are the height of megalomania.

While saying that the collapse of America will give rise to regional conflict, he arbitrarily lists a few countries that will be damaged by such conflict. Of those, Georgia will be one of the worst off in the face of Russian political pressure and military aggression. In August 2008, Georgia shockingly invaded South Ossetia. With the West pulling the strings, the incident could also be said to have been a test of Russia’s military. The proof is that through their definite actions, the US and the NATO countries tricked Russia, and while criticizing Russia heavily, they also increased their military assistance to Georgia. If Georgia can be instigated, who else can be instigated to invade whom?

[Regarding Russia] Brzezinski implies that Russia’s “South Stream” gas pipeline could be used to pressure Europe; that Azerbaijan could be a victim of the Domino Effect; that the opportunity to reabsorb Belarus will be at hand without much risk and that this will rock the security of the Baltic Sea states, especially Latvia. While worrying that Russia will expand its sphere of influence in the former Soviet space, America pursues a containment strategy and its intentions become clear. Today the United States is pushing forward with the Eastern European Missile Shield, and this can also been seen in the same light. With this, we clearly see that the US, which goes on about Russia as a strategic partner, clearly considers Russia as a strategic competitive rival.

What’s more confusing is that the US is rushing to withdraw from Afghanistan, which is leading to the collapse of the Afghan government and the revival of the Taliban. Through external efforts [to interfere in Afghanistan] a war between India and Pakistan could break out, or the country could become a haven for terrorists. While the American administration will say this is under the pretext of promoting and enforcing the “War on Terror,” this is nonsense. The goal of America’s “War on Terror” is to militarily dominate strategic points and regions with important natural resources. The US makes noise about how it wants Iraq to be a “model for the Middle East,” but it has completely devastated that country and encouraged and intensified inter-tribal and sectarian conflict and has intensified social chaos. One foreign reporter appraises that it’s no accident that that the US’s “legacy” to Iraq is long-term influence over the country—and that because of this, the prospects for recovery are bleak.

In Afghanistan, from where the US is expected to withdraw in 2014, it’s only a matter of time before it falls into the same circumstances.

Pakistan is a country controlled by the military. It’s groundless to say that its field officers could transform the state into a nuclear-armed country dominated by radical Islam, and that this could cause instability in Central Asia. Pakistan has been dragged deeply into the “War on Terror.” In order to control this state’s nuclear weapons, the United States has conducted indiscriminate attacks using unmanned aerial vehicles under the guise of “purging terrorist bases.” By stirring up internal conflict and using “military aid” as bait, the US’s true intention is to pressure Pakistani military commanders and get a strong grip on them.

Brzezinski says that America’s downfall will cause the collapse of political stability in places like Israel which will be the real “seismic shift.” A confrontation between Israel and Iran or the US and Iran could give rise to radical Islam or extremist groups, and he believes this could cause a global oil and gas crisis. This is nothing more than sophistry to search for an excuse to invade. Now America, which is attempting to subvert the Iranian government, brings up Iran’s “nuclear issue” to prepare the security foundations for the implementation of its strategy to dominate the Middle East. If Brzezinski were a politician of insight, before “worrying” about this and that, he should wonder why the theory of American’s collapse is gaining traction on the global stage. He should feel shame about this and look back at history.

In an international community with a “sole superpower,” when [that power] has been acting arrogantly and they are on the verge of the situation they are in, will stories of collapse not spread?

As America face its destiny in the setting sun, it struggles to escape its pitiful situation. In a world that is in a daydream, the American collapse cannot be stopped. American foreign policy, which is based consistently on unilateralism and tyranny, is driving toward that natural conclusion. Furthermore, nearly all of the world’s shocking wars and conflict issues are the fruits of America’s hegemonic ambitions. Because of this, the world has experienced enormous damage. Today, America views itself as the only superpower. Its arrogance and desire for global hegemony form the basis for its blatant interference in domestic affairs [of other states] and the structure of the global order that is characterized by opposition [to America]. This is the overwhelming evidence. The faster America collapses, the better. The International community speaks in a steady voice [on this point].

Brzezinski must get his facts straight and correct his thinking.

by Cho Taek-beom

Zbiniew Bzezinski, via Charlie Rose, January 25, 2012

Additional References

Zbigniew Brzezinski, “Balancing the East, Upgrading the West: U.S. Strategy in an Age of Upheaval,” Foreign Affairs (January/February 2012), <http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/136754/zbigniew-brzezinski/balancing-the-east-upgrading-the-west>.