THE NORTH KOREA OF 2024 IS MORE BELLIGerent, provocative and focused on its military than ever before. Pyongyang has put itself on a war footing, upping its defense production and forging ahead with ballistic missile tests that are deeply alarming to South Korea, Japan and the U.S.
"It is a fait accompli that a war can break out at any time on the Korean peninsula," was the message from North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong Un, as the world rang in the new year, with some researchers believing he has made a strategic decision to take his nation into battle.
"North Korea is ramping up tensions because at this point in time it doesn't see any downside to it," argued Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a professor of international relations at King's College London.
Pyongyang has stepped closer to Russia since the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine, and Pacheco Pardo told Newsweek Kim feels emboldened by this transformed relationship with Moscow as well as the protection his regime receives from Beijing.
Investment Institute, agreed, adding: "There's going to be a lot more noise from North Korea this year, and when you look at the geopolitical context, it's the perfect year for that." The U.S. has its thoughts elsewhere, with the war in Ukraine, violence in the Middle East and the upcoming presidential elections, she told Newsweek.
But despite his strong rhetoric, there are still doubts the "Hermit Kingdom" will stand the test of time. Kim's strongman tactics come with "risks," Pacheco Pardo said.
North Korea faces big unknowns that could upset the strong trajectory it has set out on and pave the way for a future in which the nation does not exist as we now know it.
It is not clear what a collapse would look like. It could be reunification with its southern neighbor or the end of the Kim family regime and the grip it has maintained on the country since 1948.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 23, 2024 من Newsweek Europe.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 23, 2024 من Newsweek Europe.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
The Invisible Scars Of War
The ongoing conflict with Russia has left 10 million Ukrainians affected by mental health conditions. Now, a community-led program is giving citizens the tools they need to help them overcome their trauma
Navigating New Horizons: Tayca's Tech Innovation
Amidst evolving global markets and demographic shifts, Tayca Corporation harnesses cutting-edge Japanese technology to stay at the forefront, leading in innovation and adapting to changing economic conditions.
Leading the Waves in LCL Shipping
With a unique combination of speed, innovation, and a customer-focused approach, Seino Logix dominates the LCL shipping sector, providing top-tier logistics solutions.
Nikki Glaser
COMEDIAN NIKKI GLASER NEVER WANTS TO OFFEND. \"I NEVER WANT TO say offensive or raunchy [things] or push the envelope, because that speaks to some kind of comedian who wants to rile people up.\"
Unraveling The Mummy After 25 Years
Its stars thought it would flop. Now a quarter of a century after its release, Arnold Vosloo, Rachel Weisz, Patricia Velásquez and Kevin J. O'Connor reflect on the cult classic
PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRMS 2024
A COMPANY'S ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE with the public is essential. Managing a firm's reputation, driving interest in its products and limiting damage during times of crisis hinge in large part on the abilities of its public relations professionals.
Work Less, Relax More
Millennials are ready for a four-day week. The younger generation wants to work fewer hours
Wildlife Crossings Are a Bear Necessity
Safe passages for animals under or over highways are reducing road collisions and could help them to adapt to climate change by seeking out new habitats
'I Don't Live My Life With the Cameras On'
Canada's first lady Sophie Grégoire Trudeau talks working through trauma, relationships in the public eye and her new book exploring mental health
AMERICA'S BEST Maternity HOSPITALS 2024
THE ARRIVAL OF A HEALTHY BABY BRINGS UNPARALLELED joy. It's no wonder that families welcoming their newest members are looking for high-quality health care to ensure a smooth delivery and reliable postpartum care.