Proxy War:
North Korea was seen by the Western world as a proxy for the Soviet Union to exert its influence in the region. The significant aid and military support from the Soviet Union fueled concerns that North Korea could become a communist satellite state. This raised tensions between the Soviet Union and the free world, led by the United States.
Korean War and Nuclear Threat:
The Korean War, which led to the division of the Korean peninsula, brought the United States and the Soviet Union close to direct military confrontation. The possibility of nuclear warfare further exacerbated the alarm. North Korea's subsequent development of nuclear weapons, with potential Soviet assistance, intensified fears of a global nuclear conflict.
Communist Expansionism:
Soviet backing of North Korea reinforced broader concerns about the spread of communism in Asia and beyond. The free world feared the "domino theory," which suggested that if one country fell to communism, its neighbors would follow, potentially leading to a global communist takeover. North Korea symbolized the vanguard of Soviet expansionism in the region.
Balance of Power:
The Soviet-North Korean alliance shifted the balance of power in East Asia, challenging the American-led order. The United States and its allies regarded the growth of Soviet influence in the Pacific region as a threat to their interests.
Proxy Conflicts and Regional Destabilization:
Soviet support for North Korea led to increased militarization in the region. North Korea's military actions and provocative statements, fueled by Soviet assistance, contributed to instability and security concerns throughout East Asia.
In summary, the free world's alarm at Soviet support of North Korea stemmed from the fear of communist expansionism, nuclear proliferation, proxy conflicts, and the disruption of the regional balance of power during the volatile Cold War era.