The Washington Post: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s recent declaration of South Korea as an enemy state and the abandonment of peaceful reunification have raised concerns among experts. Kim’s fiery rhetoric and the claim of testing a hypersonic missile with a maneuverable warhead have fueled speculation about North Korea’s intentions. Some analysts, including nuclear scientist Siegfried Hecker and former CIA analyst Robert Carlin, warn that Kim’s calculations may have shifted towards preparing for war. The shift in North Korean strategy, emphasizing ties with Russia and China over engagement with the U.S., adds complexity to the situation. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are rising, with both North and South Korea adopting assertive stances. While some experts see a growing risk of military confrontation, others believe concerns of war are exaggerated, citing North Korea’s historical use of military campaigns for strategic leverage.
The entire article can be read at the link https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/01/19/north-korea-war-kim-jong-un/