An authoritative Russian book makes clear how Moscow views the situation on the Korean Peninsula and what it would like the new US administration to do. The starting point is sharp criticism that the West ignored equal dialogue, respect for Russia’s sovereignty, and consideration for its core interests. While the Korean Peninsula is not a core interest, it has become a testing ground for Russian interests in the Asia-Pacific and whether it is treated with respect. When Vladimir Putin began his third term as president in 2012 and, even more, after relations with the US deteriorated in 2014, the peninsula was seen in a different light. Conservative rule in Seoul continued, damaging understanding of Russia’s position on the peninsula, and a new leader in Pyongyang raised Russian hopes, although he was slow to open up to Russia. Having delegated UN sanctions to China, Russia was eager to try something new. Talks with North Koreans led to arguments that Russia should see them as engaged in the same battle for a new world order and that Russia’s lack of attention was hypocritical.

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