Irresponsible regimes are known to keep their populations distracted from domestic issues by an aggressive foreign policy. So does North Korea — led by an imperious leader who revels in cocking a snook at the world by acts that are not only detrimental to its assimilation in the international order but also alienate it from friendly neighbours. Pyongyang’s recent moves point to the vicissitudes of a regime that is increasingly bent on rubbing world powers the wrong way.
It began with the launch of a space rocket, which the international community maintained was a ballistic missile, but Pyongyang insisted was a satellite. The launch triggered a storm in the region, forcing Japan and South Korea to slap fresh sanctions on the regime. But North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un is unfazed by the international walloping the country has been subject to. Reports of a floundering economy, people suffering because of poverty, political purges, debilitating corruption and the absence of freedom point to a country that is preoccupied by the arrogance of its rulers.
The landmark nuclear deal notwithstanding, it was hard for Iran to assimilate into the world order. But never did it get completely isolated. An international standing and a will to open up to the world in spite of severe domestic countervailing forces kept Iran at the doorstep of an order that was grappling with the forces of globalisation. In contrast, North Korea drew away from any semblance of reconciliation. Instead of mending fences, the North has always queered the pitch for better ties with South Korea. Seoul has been at the receiving end of Pyongyang’s wayward policies.
After the rocket launch that was in contravention of United Nations resolution, South Korea shuttered an industrial complex operated jointly by the countries. As is its wont, the North retaliated yesterday by snapping two communication hotlines with South Korea, in signs that tensions are spiralling across the 38th parallel.
The cutting of the hotlines will exacerbate tensions in the region at a time of heightened geopolitical strains due to China’s offshore adventurism.
Kim has also executed the chief of his country’s army staff purportedly for corruption and nepotism. An evidence of the North Korean leader’s brutal streak, the purge comes at a time when he is trying to get rid of officials leading apparent upheavals within the administration. Totalitarian regimes like that of North Korea survive on fear — instilling it in large doses into the population with help from an oppressive intelligence apparatus and pliable administration and judiciary. Pyongyang’s moves have put back by years attempts to bring about rapprochement on the Korean Peninsula. Uncertainty in Korean relations is the only certainty now.
Irresponsible regimes are known to keep their populations distracted from domestic issues by an aggressive foreign policy. So does North Korea — led by an imperious leader who revels in cocking a snook at the world by acts that are not only detrimental to its assimilation in the international order but also alienate it from friendly neighbours. Pyongyang’s recent moves point to the vicissitudes of a regime that is increasingly bent on rubbing world powers the wrong way.
It began with the launch of a space rocket, which the international community maintained was a ballistic missile, but Pyongyang insisted was a satellite. The launch triggered a storm in the region, forcing Japan and South Korea to slap fresh sanctions on the regime. But North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un is unfazed by the international walloping the country has been subject to. Reports of a floundering economy, people suffering because of poverty, political purges, debilitating corruption and the absence of freedom point to a country that is preoccupied by the arrogance of its rulers.
The landmark nuclear deal notwithstanding, it was hard for Iran to assimilate into the world order. But never did it get completely isolated. An international standing and a will to open up to the world in spite of severe domestic countervailing forces kept Iran at the doorstep of an order that was grappling with the forces of globalisation. In contrast, North Korea drew away from any semblance of reconciliation. Instead of mending fences, the North has always queered the pitch for better ties with South Korea. Seoul has been at the receiving end of Pyongyang’s wayward policies.
After the rocket launch that was in contravention of United Nations resolution, South Korea shuttered an industrial complex operated jointly by the countries. As is its wont, the North retaliated yesterday by snapping two communication hotlines with South Korea, in signs that tensions are spiralling across the 38th parallel.
The cutting of the hotlines will exacerbate tensions in the region at a time of heightened geopolitical strains due to China’s offshore adventurism.
Kim has also executed the chief of his country’s army staff purportedly for corruption and nepotism. An evidence of the North Korean leader’s brutal streak, the purge comes at a time when he is trying to get rid of officials leading apparent upheavals within the administration. Totalitarian regimes like that of North Korea survive on fear — instilling it in large doses into the population with help from an oppressive intelligence apparatus and pliable administration and judiciary. Pyongyang’s moves have put back by years attempts to bring about rapprochement on the Korean Peninsula. Uncertainty in Korean relations is the only certainty now.
