Economist Podcasts Hunger strikes: North Korea’s food shortages
Jun 23, 2021
Lena Shipper, The Economist's Seoul bureau chief and North Korea expert, discusses the tense food situation in the country, exacerbated by pandemic policies and sanctions. She highlights how the government's rare admission of food shortages poses a challenge to regional stability. Meanwhile, Johnny Williams analyzes the rising influence of conspiracy theories among Hispanic Americans, focusing on the interplay between faith and misinformation in social media. They reveal intriguing insights about cultural shifts around traditional Indian moonshine, Mahua, and its revitalization efforts.
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North Korea's Food Crisis
- North Korea admits to a "tense" food situation, offering a rare glimpse into the country's struggles.
- This admission follows compounding pandemic policies, crop failures, and sanctions.
Severity of the Crisis
- The UN estimates North Korean households will face a harsh lean period between August and October.
- Even in Pyongyang, imported bananas cost around $45 per kilo, showcasing the severity of the situation.
Causes of Food Shortage
- North Korea's food shortages are caused by a combination of factors, including bad harvests and closed borders.
- Typhoons and floods destroyed crops, while pandemic border closures halted trade and aid.