The Sanctions Paradox and North Korea’s Adaptive Strategies: Focusing on the Transformation of Its Relations with Angola

Key Points

• This research aims to investigate how North Korea adapts its strategies in response to international sanctions, using its relationship with Angola as a case study.
• Analyzed changes in North Korea-Angola relations amidst international sanctions.
• Classified North Korea's adaptive responses into four categories: symbolism and art, labor and technology, diplomatic communication, and diplomatic networks.
• Conceptualized the structured adaptation path that North Korea employs to navigate sanctions.
• North Korea internalizes sanctions as a constant aspect of its governance rather than a mere external pressure.
• Demonstrated a structured adaptation path that includes securing foreign currency, enhancing diplomatic buffer roles, and establishing informal cooperation frameworks.
• Revealed that sanctions can lead to new adaptive structures in targeted nations.

Abstract