Kim Jong-un’s Nuclear Card

Kim Jong-un’s Nuclear Card

from The Diplomat by Manpreet Sethi

With the passing of Kim Jong-il, many questions are being asked about North Korea, its people, and its dealings with the outside world. There is, however, one issue that trumps all others: what does this change of leadership mean for the North Korean nuclear program? So far, there are no clear indications of a change in North Korea’s posture towards the outside world. There’s the possibility that his son, Kim Jong-un, will lean on his “nuclear card” in some show of strength to enhance his domestic position. However, there’s also the possibility he might refrain from any sort of tactical or crisis driven display to strengthen his position. Kim belongs to the young generation – he’s a man in his 20s with a long life ahead of him – and so may be inclined to leave the nuclear card unplayed in order to gain economic and political benefits for his country. The ... Read More...