＜ Chapter 38. Northeast Asia Balanced Security Foundation ＞
Chapter 38. Northeast Asia Balanced Security Foundation
“…Did you say that it is the power of money? Comrade general secretary?”
“Yes, with the power of money, the dollar! The United States is a democracy on the surface, but in reality it is closer to a plutocratic system. Politicians are elected by gathering public opinion and votes, but either public opinion or votes can be bought with money.”
The finger of the supreme leader, raised upward, was bent and touched the thumb, forming a small circle.
It was a symbol common to all countries, meaning ‘money’, a symbol that has now started to work even in North Korea.
At first glance, I did not understand what he was saying, but Yong-geon Kim, like someone who had been rolling in international diplomacy for a long time, quickly understood what Jeong-hwan was saying.
“You are talking about creating a group in Washington that will represent the position of our republic. If that were the case, there would be no need to beg for help from the Americans with such humiliation as this time.”
“That’s right. We haven’t decided on a name yet, but we can name it whatever we want, whether it’s a foundation or a research institute. Like the Japanese guys over there, it’s okay to have a name that’s blatantly blatant, like ‘Ghost Anglo-American Institute of America’ or ‘Tojo Hideki Peace Foundation’. Because being a lobby is supposed to be shameless. The important thing is…”
Jeonghwan, who had said this up to this point, paused for a moment as if this was really important and gave strength to each word.
“…the logic of our group should be able to guide American public opinion. Buying tickets simply by throwing money at them can be done by anyone as long as they hire a lobbyist firm properly, but that’s a bummer. The real experts are their own group or their own country, in this case our Joseon. They are the ones who convince Americans, especially Washington senators, that their own interests coincide with those of the United States.”
Like the Jews,” Jeonghwan thought to himself.
The president of the United States is decided by an election, but the election is decided by a group of policy experts who will determine the money to buy election advertisements and the direction of public opinion.
Moreover, at this point in 1992, there was no McCain-Fine Gold Act restricting political funds, so the current Washington political board was a battle of gold and personal connections.
Politicians have been busy raising money to run their campaign advertisements on the national broadcaster Golden Time, where voter ratings are concentrated, and numerous lobbyist firms scattered across Washington are involved in various interest groups trying to manipulate state affairs in the direction they want. And there was never a day off work to connect them to foreign governments.
Wasn’t he elected in a negative election that started with his father Bush, who is in power right now, and spread advertisements that openly sniped opponents during the last election?
Moreover, since the 42nd US presidential election is scheduled for later this year, the car was struggling with money to rake in even a penny of donations, whether Democrats or Republicans.
In fact, right after Bush and the U.S. had a walk meeting in the garden outside the party building and established diplomatic ties with the United States, Jeong Hwan already went through the process of establishing the foundation in the United States through the North Korean embassy in the United States and was looking for high-profile brains to become members of the foundation. It was.
‘Actually, it’s no different from a think tank or a lobbyist firm in this respect. The only difference is whether they influence the political arena with money or with the brain. In fact, the brain can also be bought with money, so in the end, money is the best.’
“Then let’s get started right away. It will take a lot of time to get US legislators out of the pockets of Israeli or island idiots who started much earlier than the republic, but… . . .
“Don’t waste your money and bring in Ivy League masters and PhDs, current and former bureaucrats, military personnel, entrepreneurs, and especially scholars interested in Asian politics. Let’s say that we will provide research funding for any research that highlights the geopolitical value of our republic in the United States’ Asia strategy.”
Thus, the operation to establish a lobby group that could represent the position of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in the United States and reflect it in the White House and Congress began with the full support of the Secretary’s Office.
A huge amount of money was withdrawn from Peony Holdings again, and this money became a donation to a foundation that would soon be established in Washington under the name of ‘The American Academic Exchange Promotion Fund hosted by Kim Il-sung University’.
After returning from studying in the UK, young bureaucrats from foreign students who worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs transferred from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and took on this role. Instructions were actively reflected.
“First of all, you have to come up with a name. Unfortunately, the impression that this republic still has in the United States is nothing more than a nameless, underdeveloped country in East Asia. Even those who are aware of their existence are mostly negative. So even if it is built with the funds we donated, it should have nothing to do with us as far as possible.”
“Do you have any special names in mind?”
“Don’t be. Even if the foundation actually represents the national interest of our republic, it must put the cause that as many people as possible can sympathize and support, such as the cause of the entire human race and the dignity of the human being. Of course, it shouldn’t be too abstract, but it should also clearly state the purpose of this foundation.”
After a brief discussion, members of the Politburo including the general secretary agreed to name the lobby group the ‘Northeast Asia Balanced Security Foundation’.
The reason why the word ‘balance’ was specifically included here was thanks to the opinion of Hyun Young-sook, head of the Propaganda and Agitation Department.
“The reason for the establishment of this foundation is to increase the voice and prestige of our republic in the United States. And for the American people, isn’t the value of our republic in keeping the bullies and Roske in check?”
“Yes.”
“Until now, this role has been monopolized by the islanders, but I think we need to let Americans know that Japan is not the only ally in Asia. Even when the propaganda department went on business trips abroad, there were not once or twice when I was taken aback by the Japanese, who escorted each other with the power of the United States on their backs, and flaunted their power as if they were the guardians of peace in Asia.”
Certainly, Asia in present-day America was either Japan or China.
This view was not much different not only from the general public, but also from politicians, and even from the literate class in foreign affairs and security.
From what I heard, it was an opinion that contained the insight of a director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department, so the name of the Northeast Asia Balanced Security Foundation was adopted as it is.
“Now that we have decided on a name, we must find a suitable signboard, a person who will serve as the face of our foundation. If someone from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea or Professor Kim Dae-jung assumed the position of head of the Foundation’s research institute, it would be too obvious, so a white English-American would be better. Of course, a person worthy of a name, as famous as possible.”
“…I don’t think there will be many people who will sell their names to these new foundations. Even if there is, it doesn’t seem like it would be compatible with us, but…”
Kim Yong-geon’s point of view was justified, as he had a confused expression on his face while recalling the lists of various candidates in his head.
Usually, the chief executives of these foundations bring in academic scholars or famous international politicians who have name values for marketing, but the most important thing is that the so-called ‘code’ with the republic, the water owner, must match, even if the salary is second.
The problem is that most of the Asian researchers who are said to originate in the United States already have connections with Japanese lobby groups, or even if they don’t, most of them want to go to think tanks with more history and tradition than these new foundations.
‘But choosing one of the Republican neo-cons in the United States who values Japan, I’m afraid of what these gents might have in the future… I don’t know until the next election, but it’s too much to make the transition easier when the Democratic Party takes power. It’s difficult if you’re right-wing.’
“Think about it, Manager Kim. An English-American white person with a high international reputation, who is basically right-wing, but who should not be too clumsy, hate China and friendly to our republic, although not inclined to Japan. Is there such a person?”
I already remembered one person,” Jeonghwan muttered to himself, but he didn’t say it on purpose.
It was because Kim Yong-geon, a loyal servant who had served him since the days of exile in Japan, was suddenly curious to see if he could think of what he had come up with.
And Kim Yong-geon lived up to the expectations of his master.
“I have a comrade like that… Ah! I remembered it, Comrade General Secretary!”
“Actually, I also thought of the person the manager had just remembered. By the way, he’ll be retiring by now and looking for a decent job, so he’ll be happy to accept our offer.”
With that said, Jeong-hwan picked up the phone from the secretary’s office and ordered it to be exchanged at the British embassy.
“Uh… Then, after calling for attendance, let’s go to the plenary session. A total of 96 people, the number of expulsion members… 11 people.”
‘This is downright insulting. I’d rather go home and wash the dishes with a teaspoon. Oh my God, I’m going to miss my job as a housekeeper and no one else! It is said that home is the place to come when you are no longer good at work.’
She went to work that day, which meant almost nothing other than filling a seat, and sat down in a chair in the conference hall and tapped her fingers annoyedly.
Her new job, also known as the British Senate or the House of Nobility, was only in the name of the Senate, but had no real powers compared to the House of Commons and Commonwealth (which were her ‘main battlefields’ until a few years ago).
The reason why this Senate, the exclusive property of hereditary nobles from the Middle Ages, is still alive was partly because of the British people’s cherishing traditions, but in fact, it had another practical use.
It should have been given a title, but in a word, it was an old man’s boat dedicated to the old man in the back room, who stepped down from the actual political front.
‘The title of Baroness is of no use. In the beginning, I was the daughter of a grocery store. If only I could go back to the nostalgic politics again… It would be impossible in the United Kingdom of Great Britain because of that damned head tax!’
She sighed deeply as she looked at the almost empty conference hall.
For the time being, I will try to imitate behind-the-scenes politics with the remaining personal connections and influence during my tenure, but that will not last for a few years.
As she was in office, she waged a war with half of the people over a tax increase proposal, and now any British politician who joins her or gets close to her has to suffer a significant loss of image.
But even though she knew it was impossible in reality, she still missed the political board.
Originally, she did not get along terribly with a full-time housewife who did housework in the kitchen, and was a workaholic by nature avoiding rest or retirement.
“Then that’s it for today. Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you have a good day.”
Were you engaged in ‘work’ for about 5 minutes?
The Senate plenary came to an end, as if it had opened, while she was mourning her inaudible lament.
And she left the conference hall, which took almost no time to empty, since there were not many people present in the first place, and arrived at the parliamentarian’s office, and slumped down in her chair.
There was not much to do in this Senate, even though I wanted to do something.
I could have done it if I wanted to write an autobiography or attend a university lecture.
Even though she was over sixty, what she missed was the real politics that awakened her passion.
The real politics of persuading and negotiating to expand influence, collecting votes, and sometimes (no, actually, as often as possible) plotting and intimidating.
At that moment, the phone from the councilor’s office rang on a rare occasion.
“Hello?”
“Ah, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. No, now that you are retired, I should call you Mrs.
She, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, frowned for a moment at the voice coming from the other side of the receiver, then remembered the voice’s protagonist.
It didn’t take long for her to remember her young age, even though she was only a passing glimpse of her political career, which made it clear how passionate she was for politics, which was her vocation.
In fact, there was a reason that the main character of that voice was often up and down in the Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, or even The Sun these days.
“I had a secretary, but I sent him out. We don’t have a lot of work in this old mansion to need a separate secretary. Shouldn’t we save the British people’s taxes? General Secretary Kim?”
“You still do this. The reason I suddenly called from Pyongyang to London today was because I wanted to scout Mrs. Thatcher.”
Scout?
Thatcher, confused for a moment, was told that she would like to take her as the first director of a research institute affiliated with the Northeast Asia Balanced Security Foundation, but later remembered that her opponent was a dictator in a country on the edge of Asia, and drew a line first. .
In fact, strictly speaking, he was a pro-American dictator of the West, but a dictator is still a dictator.
“I appreciate the offer, General Secretary. But let me tell you in advance, no matter how much I step down as Prime Minister, I will not accept an offer that goes against the national interest of the UK…”
“It seems that you have already forgotten that Britain was the first Western country our republic established diplomatic relations with, Mrs. And if you are concerned about the image issue, I would like to inform you that this foundation mainly conducts academic activities that are not directly related to North Korea on the surface. Of course, it’s not really just that.”
“……Let’s hear the offer first.”
Although he offered to listen to the explanation in a calm voice, Thatcher had already found himself drawn to the position of director of the foundation.
Although the salary was high, what really touched her heart was that the young general secretary had offered her a high level of discretion, a position with real power, not a fancy position that only occupies a seat like in this aristocrat.
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Now, the political opportunity that she thought was gone forever, and the opportunity to bring back the skills and experiences she had honed in the field, came again like magic.So far, it’s seductive, and even the foundation’s political orientation matched her.
“Can you tell me once again the purpose of the establishment of the Northeast Asia Balanced Security Foundation?”
“This is what scholars from Europe and the United States are researching and pioneering for the best future together for the protection of a free market economy in Asia, political stability, and economic coexistence and co-prosperity.”
“Hmm, that’s a good cause. Of course, that future means the most beneficial future for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea under General Secretary, right?”
“Haha… I’m glad that the story is telling so quickly. Mrs. Ms. is the person who built the bridge so that our republic can establish diplomatic ties with the United States, and there are many people who know the Republican Party, the currently ruling party in the United States. this will be How is it? Do you have any thoughts?”
At first, Jeonghwan thought that she would not be able to make a decision easily.
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No matter how large the foundation was, it was doubtful whether Margaret Thatcher, who once had a huge political influence in Europe and America as an Iron Lady, would be satisfied with a position like the head of a research institute under the newly established foundation.But unexpectedly, she agreed with ease.
“I will accept it. It seems like my autobiography will be written a long time later.”
“…you seem to accept it surprisingly easily.”
“The fact that it was established not too long ago means that I have a lot of discretion as the first director. I am the one who cared for myself in the world of men. General Secretary Kim. and….”
Thatcher’s eyes were already lit up with fire.
The fighting spirit and fighting spirit that she had now thought to have died of ashes after being ousted from the premiership was rekindling in her heart.
“To check the Chinese hegemony in Asia, there seems to be a common goal between the general secretary and me. Deng Xiaoping’s death without seeing the return of Hong Kong was the most exhilarating thing in recent years, but working for that foundation could create more exhilarating things like that. And maybe even with my own hands.”
After some time, leading British and American newspapers and media outlets reported that former British Prime Minister “Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher was appointed as director of a research institute under the newly established Northeast Asian Balanced and Security Foundation in Washington, USA. published an article that said
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Not only that, but many celebrities, including Japanese businessman Son Jeong-ui to emerging financial mogul George Soros, attended the foundation’s inauguration ceremony, which is still unfamiliar to Washington, and the public was already paying attention.The opportunity to get a glimpse of the Northeast Asian Balanced Foundation’s ability to predict the situation came sooner than expected, as it began its ambitious activities right after its inception .