Scientific and Technological Development in the Juche Model of Socialism

Abstract

The increasing geopolitical fragmentation has emerged as a new reality in the global economy. International sanctions stand as the principal tool employed by the United States and its allies for political, economic, and technological discrimination. Faced with these circumstances, sanctioned nations are driven to seek fresh avenues for economic progress, pivoting towards strategies of widespread import substitution and technological autonomy. Anchored in the doctrine of "Juche" (self-reliance), North Korea has consistently accorded precedence to its domestic scientific and technological domain. Initially centered around national defense until 2013, this priority subsequently extended into the concurrent development of both the military and civilian sectors. Striking accomplishments within the military-industrial complex have garnered extensive public attention and provoked serious apprehensions among less-friendly nations. Despite grappling with challenges in modernizing its economy amid conditions bordering on technological isolation, North Korea has effectively secured noteworthy achievements in specific sectors. Particularly remarkable is North Korea's proficiency in instituting a robust framework for training programmers and other IT specialists. Additionally, apart from bolstering digital security, the country has, as per diverse evaluations, procured a considerable and stable albeit illicit source of budget augmentation