The Origin of North Korea’s Monarchy
North Korea officially became a monarchy in 1947 under the leadership of Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-un’s grandfather. Kim Il-sung was the founder of the state and established a Communist-style dictatorship under the ruling of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. He assumed the title “Great Leader”, which was adopted by his son, Kim Jong-il. In late 2011, following Kim Jong-il’s death, Kim Jong-un succeeded his father and assumed the leadership of the state. According to North Korean tradition, Kim Jong-un was declared the “Supreme Leader” of the DPRK and was recognized as the head of the royal family, inheriting the title ‘King of North Korea’ from Kim Jong-un’s predecessors.
Kim Jong-un’s Reign
One of Kim Jong-un’s main goals upon coming to power was to establish a cult of personality reminiscent of his grandfather’s rule. He has been portrayed as a strong, nationalist leader willing to take on the world. Kim Jong-un has taken steps to centralize control over North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, appearing to prioritize the country’s nuclear and ballistic capabilities over relations with other nations. He continues to be a hardline leader, eliminating potential opponents and consolidating his power as he continues to rule with an iron-fist.
The Goals of Kim Jong-un’s Rule
The goals of Kim Jong-un’s rule include maintaining the country’s isolation from the outside world and pursuing a nuclear weapons program. Under Kim Jong-un’s leadership, North Korea has continued to develop and test nuclear weapons, and developed intercontinental ballistic missiles. These advancements, coupled with the unpredictable and belligerent behavior of the leader, have been met with international condemnation.
The State of North Korea’s Human Rights
The government of North Korea has been widely accused of continuing a long-standing policy of human rights violations. Under Kim Jong-un, there have been reports of North Korean citizens being subjected to torture, arbitrary detention, and extrajudicial killings. Civil liberties remain heavily restricted in the country, with freedom of expression and freedom of the press nonexistent. In addition, the United Nations has recently reported that millions of North Korean citizens suffer from hunger and malnutrition, with the country facing a humanitarian crisis.
The International Community’s Response to the Regime
The international community has been highly critical of the North Korean regime’s human rights record, and has pursued sanctions in an attempt to bring about reforms. The United States, the United Nations, and several other countries have imposed economic sanctions against the North Korean regime, targeting certain individuals and entities. In addition, international organizations such as the United Nations and Human Rights Watch have called on the regime to ensure justice and to allow for the protection of human rights in the country.
The Ruling Family of North Korea
The ruling family of North Korea is a dynastic oligarchy led by a single family. Kim Il-sung, the country’s first leader, was succeeded by his son, Kim Jong-il, who in turn was succeeded by his son, Kim Jong-un, who is the current ruler. The ruling family has maintained tight control over the country and as a result, has kept the country isolated from the rest of the world. The Kim regime has consistently been accused of violating human rights and of pursuing a nuclear weapons program in the face of international sanctions and condemnation.
North Korea’s Relationship with the US
The relationship between the United States and North Korea has been fraught with tension for decades. During the Cold War, the United States and North Korea were enemies and adversaries. In recent years, tensions have escalated further as North Korea has continued to develop and test nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. The relationship between the two countries has been described by experts as one of the most fraught and unstable in modern times. President Trump has sought to engage in direct dialogue with Kim Jong-un, in an effort to induce North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Despite several summit meetings, however, the state of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program remains unchanged and tensions between the two countries remain high.
North Korea’s Place in the International Society
North Korea’s place in the international society remains complex and uncertain. The state of North Korea’s human rights and its nuclear weapons program are widely condemned by the international community. While the United States and other countries have pursued dialogue and some punitive sanctions, North Korea has largely maintained its isolation from the rest of the world. The future of the North Korean regime remains uncertain, and will likely depend on its rulers’ willingness to pursue reforms and engage in more open dialogues with the international community.
North Korea’s Role in the World Economy
The economic conditions in North Korea remain dire, as the country is subject to severe international sanctions. This has led to a lack of foreign aid and lack of access to foreign markets. Moreover, the country’s own internal economic policies have been largely unsuccessful, resulting in a stagnant economy and a lack of economic growth. North Korea is heavily dependent on aid and trade with China, its closest ally, and is often reliant on external actors such as the United Nations and South Korea for food and medicine.
The Legacy of Kim Jong-un’s Rule
Kim Jong-un’s reign in North Korea has been marked by the continuation of repressive policies and further isolation from the rest of the world. As the country continues to face international condemnation and economic sanctions from the United Nations, the fate of the North Korean regime remains uncertain. While Kim Jong-un has thus far proven to be a strong, hardline leader, the legacy of his rule remains to be seen.
