ABSTRACT

Russia has a large stake in the outcome of the North Korean nuclear crisis. If it is not resolved peacefully, Russia's interests will suffer. There will be an increased chance of instability and armed conflict in a neighboring country. If Pyongyang develops nuclear weapons, there will be a greater incentive for Japan and South Korea to do the same. A resolution of the crisis could bring economic benefits to Russia by facilitating projects to provide North Korea with Russian electricity and natural gas. If these projects are successfully implemented, they could help develop the Russian Far East, making it less vulnerable to outside domination by China or any other country. Despite its stake in the outcome, Russia's ability to influence Washington and Pyongyang is at best limited. Washington has relaxed its previously rigid position toward the North Korean nuclear issues by agreeing to a step-by-step resolution of the problem.