Nuclear strategy of North Korea in the context of regional security

The nuclear strategy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has long been in the spotlight of the international community. As a de facto state possessing nuclear weapons, the DPRK significantly influences regional security. The development of its nuclear arsenal and missile technologies has not only heightened tensions with neighboring countries but also posed threats to global security. This strategy has drawn widespread criticism from the international community and led to the imposition of international sanctions against the DPRK. The article conducts a systematic analysis of the nuclear strategy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the logic of its evolution, based on the configuration of the security system in Northeast Asia. The research aims to identify the multifaceted reasons for the formation and development of the DPRK's nuclear strategy in terms of security needs, institutional constraints, and both internal and external political factors, as well as to assess its impact on the structure of regional security and strategic stability. The study's findings show that the DPRK's nuclear strategy has gradually developed under the combined influence of international pressure, the need to maintain internal political stability, and an institutionalized perception of security threats. The North Korean leadership views nuclear weapons primarily as a key tool for strategic deterrence, compensating for the limited capabilities of conventional armed forces and ensuring the survival of the political regime. The scientific novelty of the article lies primarily in the research approach and analytical framework used. The DPRK's nuclear strategy is examined through a comprehensive analysis that integrates security factors, domestic politics, and institutionalization, allowing for a departure from explanations based solely on external threats or military-technical aspects. In conclusion, it is stated that in the absence of significant changes in the regional security environment and existing institutional frameworks, the likelihood of the DPRK abandoning nuclear weapons in the short and medium term remains low. The nuclear strategy will continue to serve as one of the key cornerstones of the country's national security and political stability, significantly influencing strategic stability and the security architecture of Northeast Asia, while remaining a long-term regional security governance challenge.