Midnight train to Moscow: Kim Jong Un cosies up with Russia
Sep 12, 2023
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Andrew Knox, The Economist's Korea correspondent, dissects Kim Jong-un's unprecedented meeting with Vladimir Putin, analyzing the potential arms deal and its implications for global security. Meanwhile, Daniel Knowles sheds light on the troubling rise of Kia and Hyundai car thefts in America, driven by social media trends that expose vulnerabilities in vehicle security. Their insights reveal concerning geopolitical dynamics and a pressing issue affecting communities, blending international relations and domestic crime.
North Korea and Russia are in discussions for a potential arms deal, raising concerns for the international community.
The absence of immobilizers in Kia and Hyundai models has contributed to the rise in car theft in America, leading to lawsuits against the car manufacturers.
Deep dives
Kim Jong-un's visit to Russia for arms deal
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has traveled to Russia to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The purpose of the meeting is believed to be discussions around an arms deal between the two countries. While details about the meeting are scarce, there have been long-standing claims from the United States that North Korea has been selling weapons to Russia to support their war effort. North Korea stands to gain various benefits from this potential deal, such as food, energy, and financial support.
Lawsuits against Kia and Hyundai for car theft
There has been a significant increase in car theft, particularly of Kia and Hyundai models, resulting in several American cities filing lawsuits against the car manufacturers. The rise in theft can be attributed to the absence of immobilizers in many cheaper Kia and Hyundai models sold a few years ago. Cities like Chicago, where Kia and Hyundai cars make up a significant percentage of vehicle theft, allege that the absence of immobilizers in these vehicles has made them easy targets for thieves. The lawsuits claim that the car manufacturers were negligent in not including immobilizers, leading to wasted police time, enabling other crimes, and causing public nuisance.
The popularity of drive-through baguette shops
In France, there has been a noticeable boom in the opening of drive-through baguette shops, contrary to the traditional neighborhood bakeries. These drive-through bakeries have gained popularity, particularly in the suburbs where car ownership is high and people rely on cars for commuting. Despite the industrial scale and lack of charm, these bakeries must adhere to traditional methods and use dough prepared and baked on the premises to be considered a true bakery in France. It is expected that this drive-through trend will continue as it aligns with people's changing habits and the enduring attachment of the French to their daily baguettes and cars.
In a rare trip outside of the hermit state, it seems the dictator is planning to meet with Vladimir Putin. With the prospect of an arms deal on the table, how worried should the international community be? Car theft is a growing problem in America and automakers are partly to blame (08:49). And France’s booming boulangeries (15:02).