The Intelligence from The Economist The Intelligence: Kim Jong Un’s fighting talk
Mar 11, 2024
Andrew Knox, The Economist’s careers correspondent, unpacks the escalating military tensions on the Korean Peninsula as North Korea grows cosier with Russia. He discusses the alarming rise in North Korea's nuclear capabilities and aggressive rhetoric under Kim Jong-un. The conversation also highlights the ecological crisis stemming from the Ukraine conflict, revealing its toll on wildlife, such as declining dolphin populations. Knox stresses the urgent need to address the complex interplay between human conflicts and environmental consequences.
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North Korea's Emboldened Position
- North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, is emboldened by global tensions and a strengthened relationship with Russia.
- This has raised concerns in South Korea about potential provocations, including military action.
Past Provocations and Military Buildup
- In 2010, North Korea sank a South Korean ship and shelled an island.
- Since then, North Korea has significantly increased military testing, developing new weaponry and nuclear material.
Heightened Tensions and Rhetoric
- North Korea's recent ideological shift and aggressive rhetoric raise concerns.
- The country now calls South Korea a "permanent enemy" and threatens war over minor territorial encroachments.