Kim Jong Un considers devolving power over his nuclear arsenal
The policy would strengthen his deterrent but raise the risk of accidents
Given the frequency with which Kim Jong Un threatens to annihilate his enemies, it is perhaps unsurprising that American and South Korean leaders just as often discuss launching a “decapitation strike” against North Korea’s dictator. Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea’s current president, is no exception. He has repeatedly talked up his country’s “kill chain” plans, a system for pre-emptive strikes against North Korea’s missile facilities and its leadership if an attack is thought to be imminent.
This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline “Pass the button”
From the September 24th 2022 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionMore from Asia
Taiwan’s political drama is paralysing its government
Domestic dysfunction plays right into China’s hands
An angry culture war surrounds Australia Day
Conservatives claim that wokeness is destroying the national holiday
The fate of a ranting driver raises doubts about the “new” Uzbekistan
It seems free speech is not so guaranteed after all
Indian politicians are becoming obsessed with doling out cash
Handouts are transforming the role of the state—perhaps for the worse
How to end the nightmare of Asia’s choked roads
The middle classes love cars but hate traffic
Can Donald Trump maintain Joe Biden’s network of Asian alliances?
Discipline and creativity will help, but so will China’s actions