Overview
If there is to
be any kind of nuclear war in the future, which countries will be the ring
leaders of the conflict? Many in the west or United States might propose states
like North Korea, Iran, or Cuba as problem children in regards to nuclear arms.
Similarly, in 2012, many uncertainties have been circulating about the future
of the state of North Korea, due to the recent succession of the new young
leader, Kim Jong Un. Many thought that after his father's death in December of
2011, there would be a possibility for change, leading to a possible collapse
of the regime. And by golly, the collapse must lead
to a democracy, or else it doesn't count.This would relieve the west's worries
and make them feel more comfortable with working with the regime. However,
others expect it to remain mostly the same; with Kim Jong Un continuing with
the same policies, philosophies, and ideology as his late father, Kim Jong Il,
and becoming a copy of the past two generations of leaders. While the west may
wish for the first option, it could be likely that the second option is more
realistic. Or is it? The new leader has flexed his muscles with the launch
of a rocket that was meant to put a satellite into space (failed) in April
2012, echoing the memory of the missile tests of his father years before his
death. On December 13 2012, he launched another rocket, which is said by the
state media to be a satellite. Many in the west, however,
are afraid of the possibilities that the rocket launch was actually a ballistic
missile test. At the same time, Jong Un has displayed in the last year
public openness with his people. Unlike his father, who was not often seen in
public, Kim Jung Un is seen many times in public giving speeches, visiting
facilities, military bases, and overseeing industrial projects. He has also openly shown
and been with his wife in public, which is also in contrast to his father,
who never went to appearances with his wife. Jung Un is also reported
to have legalized pizza (literally). It seems as
though this young man is developing his own leadership style. Could these new
developments lean the actions of the state away from what it has been? Or will
business proceed as usual?
Quick Facts
Map of North Korea
- North Korea's formal name is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea or the DPRK.
- The nation does not describe itself as "North" Korea or "North" Koreans most of the time. They refer to themselves as Korean.
- Pyongyang is the capitol city.
- The nation shares a border with China, Russia, and South Korea.
- In Korean, last names come first in the order of spelling and pronunciation. For example, "Kim" is the last name of the DPRK leaders.
- There is a population of about 24 million.
- The Central Intelligence Agency describes the DPRK as communist, but the DPRK itself asserts mostly socialist ideals, along with its Juche philosophy (see History).