ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on Soviet policies toward Korea. Abstractly speaking, the Soviet conception is that Soviet national interest dictates the prevention of the establishment of an external power's hegemonic influence over Korea, and that the Soviet Union itself will become the ultimate hegemonic influence in Korea. The Soviet government has been consistent in publicly declaring its support for North Korea's official position on reunification and other foreign policy programs. However, in its actual conduct of foreign policy, the Soviet Union often implicitly acknowledges the fact of the two Koreas. Since 1973, the Soviets have with fair consistency allowed South Korean nationals to participate in numerous internationally sponsored conferences held in the Soviet Union. Those South Koreans allowed to participate have included both private citizens and government officials. The North Koreans have been particularly dissatisfied with the Soviet transfer of advanced weapons systems.
