Donald Trump’s policy of meeting directly with world leaders is admirable. The world has been on high alert over North Korea’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war, yet no one is willing to meet with leader Kim Jong-un. Trump made history during his first term when he crossed over the DMZ line into North Korea, ignoring security risks, and becoming the first US president to do so. Trump has stated he plans to meet with Kim Jong-Un again.
“I will reach out to him again. Kim Jong-un is a smart man. He likes me, and I get along well with him,” the US president stated. This is not a boastful remark as Kim Jong-un does respect Donald Trump. Trump gave his nation legitimacy by taking the time to personally visit and has been the only major world leader willing to talk directly with Kim directly. Trump and Kim did happen to meet for the first time in Singapore which coincidentally aligned with our Asian seminar there.
Their discussions during Trump’s first term did not result in meaningful action, however, it showed America’s willingness to hold diplomatic talks with the hermit kingdom. North Korea has become a much more prominent threat to the world in recent years. Aside from sending 120,000 troops to Russia, the hermit kingdom has drastically grown its nuclear capabilities. Kim has increased his nuclear arsenal and increased testing of long-range missiles that could potentially strike the continental United States.
“North Korea’s denuclearization remains a consistent principle upheld by the international community, including South Korea and the U.S.,” a spokesperson for the South Korean Foreign Ministry said.
North Korea has threatened to use nuclear weapons if the US threatens its sovereignty. South Korea does not possess nuclear weapons but is protected by the United States, with thousands of troops stationed in the country since the end of the Korean War in 1953. Our model on Korea shows that the 72-year Revolutionary Cycle will turn up this year in 2025.
Clearly , tariffs and sanctions would have absolutely zero impact on North Korea. Similar to Russia, North Korea is fighting for its existence and continually on the defense. The nation would have been invaded years ago if it were not for the threat of nuclear war. Russia and China are the nation’s only lifeline but their economy is lifeless and the people. The people are starving as a result of the state of the economy and numerous poor harvests. It will be interesting to see what deal Trump brings the table and how Kim Jong-Un will respond.
