The Russia-North Korea marriage of convenience is no bromance

Strategic partnership a rational calculation by leaders keen never to cross their own red lines

Virginie Grzelczyk

July 1, 2024 17:05 JST

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un attend a state reception in Pyongyang on June 19. © Reuters

Virginie Grzelczyk is the dean of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities at Aston University in the U.K.

The flags, red carpets, balloons, spectators, and the Russian Aurus limousine gifted by Vladimir Putin to Kim Jong Un are now packed away, and the world is left wondering what's next now that Russia and North Korea have signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.