KIM JONG-UN, THE NEW LEADER OF NORTH KOREA
Kim Jong-Un has become the new leader of North Korea since the death of his father. Kim Jong-Un is the third-generation leader of a family dynasty which has ruled North Korea since 1948. He assumed the role at the age of 28, making him one of the youngest leaders in the world. Kim Jong-Un is widely seen as the most powerful and influential ruler in North Korea, but what has he accomplished in his time as leader?
Kim Jong-Un has made it a priority to increase his nation’s military presence, modernizing the North Korean army with a series of weapons and technology upgrades. The country’s nuclear weapons program has been accelerated significantly, leading to a massive expansion of its arsenal. North Korea also tested a long-range ballistic missile capable of reaching U.S. shores, but the test was considered to be a failure.
Beyond military power, the economic situation in North Korea has improved significantly under Kim Jong-Un. In 2012, the nation’s GDP grew by 7.3%, compared to previous years when it had remained stagnant. The poverty rate has also decreased, a sign of economic development. To achieve this, Kim Jong-Un has adopted a more liberal economic approach, allowing some foreign investment into the country.
Apart from economic and military reforms, Kim Jong-Un has also been eager to improve the country’s international relations. North Korea has forged diplomatic ties with countries such as China and the United States, while showing a willingness to engage in dialogue. Despite these developments, the United Nations has issued a series of crippling sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear weapons program.
Kim Jong-Un is a relatively young and ambitious leader. He has shown a willingness to embrace change and ensure North Korea becomes a global power. Yet his methods have been far from peaceful, and have raised serious concern among human rights advocates. Kim Jong-Un has also been criticized for having a reckless and impulsive approach to foreign policy.
EXPERTS VIEWS ON KIM JONG-UN’S LEADERSHIP
Experts have varying views on the leadership style of Kim Jong-Un. While some point to his achievements in improving economic conditions and diplomatic relations, others are concerned about his approach to foreign policy and the nation’s nuclear weapons program.
Hannah Beech from The New York Times believes that Pyongyang has achieved “remarkable economic gains” under Kim Jong-Un’s rule. She goes on to point out the country’s ability to build its military might “without undergoing the painful economic reforms that China and other countries have implemented.”
But former U.S. diplomat Robert Gallucci is skeptical of Kim Jong-Un’s leadership. From his perspective, North Korea’s nuclear weapons program is a major threat to global security, and Kim Jong-Un remains a major obstacle to denuclearization talks.
Harvard professor, Graham Allison is less pessimistic, believing that North Korea’s leaders may “deploy the threat of nuclear war to achieve something greater – economic and political gains.” He suggests that the country’s strategic missile tests could be part of a “calculated strategy to extract economic benefits from the international community.”
Kim Jong-Un has a long way to go if he wants to be seen as a responsible leader. While his achievements in improving economic conditions and international relations are commendable, much more is needed to secure peace in the region and reach a denuclearization agreement.
EFFECTS OF KIM JONG-UN’S LEADERSHIP
Kim Jong-Un’s leadership has brought about some positive changes in North Korea. The nation has experienced considerable economic growth and made inroads in terms of international relations. These improvements have enabled North Korea to become a greater player in world affairs.
Yet it is important to remember that the country is still under severe international sanctions due to its nuclear weapons program. The UN and international community are still calling for the denuclearization of North Korea, and Kim Jong-Un does not show any sign of slowing down his military ambitions.
Domestically, there have been reports of human rights abuses in the country, particularly in political prison camps. North Korean citizens are subject to censorship and a strict authoritarian rule, and there have been reports of public executions and torture of political dissidents.
Meanwhile, the international community remains divided on the issue of North Korea. The UN has issued several rounds of sanctions against the country, yet there is still no sign of a successful resolution. Kim Jong-Un has made it clear he will not give up his nation’s nuclear weapons program, and this has put the United States and its allies in a difficult position.
RELATIONS BETWEEN THE US AND NORTH KOREA
Relations between the United States and North Korea have been troubled for decades. The two countries remain bitterly divided over issues of nuclear weapons and human rights, and there has been a long period of mistrust and hostility.
The current administration led by Donald Trump has adopted a hard line towards North Korea. Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against the country if it does not denuclearize. This has put both countries at odds, and increased tensions in the region.
At the same time, Trump has also sought to engage with North Korea diplomatically. In June 2018, he met with Kim Jong-Un in Singapore for a historic summit. The two sides agreed to work towards complete denuclearization, but progress has been slow.
In February 2019, Kim Jong-Un met with Trump again in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. The meeting ended abruptly without an agreement. While both sides remain committed to dialogue, it’s unclear if they can strike a lasting peace deal.
FUTURE OF NORTH KOREA UNDER KIM JONG-UN’S LEADERSHIP
It remains to be seen how Kim Jong-Un will govern North Korea in the future. His rule has been characterized by military build-up, economic growth, and diplomatic engagement. Yet his reckless foreign policy has raised serious concerns from the international community.
North Korea’s future is uncertain, but there are some signs of hope. Kim Jong-Un’s diplomatic overtures suggest that he is open to dialogue and could be willing to work towards a denuclearization agreement. But such a deal is far from certain.
At the same time, Kim Jong-Un is aware of the immense potential of his country. North Korea is rich in natural resources, and some experts believe that the nation could become an economic powerhouse if it opens itself up to the world. It’s a future which rests in Kim Jong-Un’s hands.
KIM JONG-UN’S DOMESTIC POLICIES
Domestic policies in North Korea have also seen some changes under Kim Jong-Un’s leadership. The country has become increasingly open to foreign investment, leading to some improvements in economic conditions. Yet many of the nation’s citizens remain in poverty and lack basic human rights.
Kim Jong-Un’s authoritarian rule has been condemned by human rights activists. Political dissidents are subject to censorship and repression, and there have been reports of public executions and brutal conditions in political prisons.
The state of media freedom in North Korea is also a major concern. The media is heavily restricted, and outlets such as the state-run Korean Central News Agency have a monopoly on information. Journalists are not allowed to publish any material critical of the government.
These restrictions have had a devastating effect on the North Korean people. Despite some progress under Kim Jong-Un’s rule, North Korea remains one of the most secretive and oppressive countries in the world.
NORTH KOREA’S GLOBAL INFLUENCE
Kim Jong-Un’s leadership has led to increased international influence for North Korea. The country has forged ties with countries such as China, Russia and the United States, and is slowly becoming part of global politics.
Yet North Korea is also seen as a rogue state by much of the international community. Its nuclear weapons program is viewed as a major threat to global security, and the country has been placed under heavy sanctions by the UN.
The next few years will be crucial to assess the effects of Kim Jong-Un’s leadership. He has embraced change and made some progress, but much more is needed if North Korea is to become a respected member of the international community.
CONCLUSION
Kim Jong-Un has ambitions to make North Korea an economic and military superpower. He has made some progress in the past few years, increasing the nation’s military muscle and economic growth. Yet these gains have come at the expense of human rights and political freedoms. The fate of North Korea rests in the hands of Kim Jong-Un, and it remains to be seen how he will lead the country in the future.
