North Korea and Russia have signed a mutual defence treaty in June which entails that both countries must aid each other in case of an armed attack on the respective country. North Korea has recently sent tens of thousands of troops to Russia in order to aid in the Russian battle for Ukraine to support their allies. Kim Jong Un has stated that this treaty is somewhat similar to an alliance between the two countries. The international community and countries are criticizing North Koreas choice to send their troops to Russia to fight in the conflict as well as the decision of this treaty.
Both Russia and North Korea are anti-west and enemies of the United States. Since they are friendly, if not allies, it would make sense for North Korea to support a struggling Russian military in their conflict with the Western backed Ukrainians. Since North Korea has a relatively young military under their dictator, Kim Jong Un, it would make sense for some of their combat troops to deploy away from the state to gain valuable battle skills and knowledge on the growing complexity of unconventional warfare. If North Korea wants to wage war against a smaller country, they must first ensure their troops are battle tested. Russia is a perfect place to send troops to develop war skills. This Russia-North Korea defence treaty will ensure positive relations and a possible military alliance as well as an opportunity for North Korean troops to gain experience.
Russia and North Korea are attempting to challenge the unipolar system that the United States has developed since the Cold War. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States has emerged as the new world leader in their unipolar system of order. Now, some countries such as Russia, North Korea, and China are challenging this unipolarity through economical, political, and military strategies. Even the U.S. is unsure of its own status, as it may want to forfeit its heightened status in the near future. However, with this defence treaty, and other alliances between anti-western states, the United States will definitely be challenged as the worlds leading economical and military strength.