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
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