Engaging North Korea: Malaysia’s Quest for the Middle Path

Abstract

The assassination of Kim Jong Nam in 2017 brought about a significant change in the diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and North Korea. Although diplomatic relations between the two countries were downgraded due to the incident, current changes would likely encourage the resumption of diplomatic ties. This study applies a poliheuristic decision-making analysis of Malaysia’s diplomatic relations with North Korea. It argues that Malaysia’s choice to establish diplomatic ties with North Korea was made consistent with the strong sense of neutrality that has shaped Malaysia’s foreign policy. Despite the increased security threat North Korea is perceived as globally, it was not until the assassination attempt that there was any regression in diplomatic relations between the two countries. Poliheuristic theory can also be utilized to explain why Malaysia will most likely proceed with reopening the Malaysian Embassy in Pyongyang as this is an alternative that would present Malaysia with continued gain in consideration of both its emphasis on diplomacy and neutrality in its foreign policy.