A few decades ago, we witnessed the news about the development of the North Korean nuclear program. Six different tests were conducted between 2006 and 2017 alone. Now, after a series of missile launches and the arrival of US President Joe Biden in Asia, rumors have risen that a new experiment might be conducted by Kim Jong-un’s government as a kind of provocation and show of strength.
According to the US State Department report, World Military Expenditures and Weapons Transfers By 2021, North Korea’s military spending could represent more than 25% of the country’s average GDP over the past few years. If approved, it would be the state with the highest military expenditure ratio in the world relative to its own GDP.
The sophisticated nuclear program, which includes missiles, warheads, bombs and other equipment, contrasts with the reality of a poor society affected by serious structural problems such as food insecurity. In 2022, the Covid-19 wave, which is currently affecting the country, has been added to the already extensive list of challenges.
The North Korean government has confirmed its first case of coronavirus in recent weeks, after years of denying the incidence of the disease on its territory. Since then, more than 2 million cases of “fever” have been reported as being treated by state media.
There are three main problems for North Korea in tackling this crisis:
1) scarcity of resources, medicines and equipment to treat serious respiratory diseases;
2) limited testing capacity;
3) lack of access to vaccines and immunizations after the country refused international aid offered by the WHO Covax consortium.
What we’re tracking as a result is information that the government is recommending gargling with hot tea and salt water as a way to manage the increase in patient numbers.
While the contrasts are scandalous, the strategy that puts the military first is explained because it aims to reinforce the narrative that keeps the government afloat. Concerns over the country’s survival and security have so far worked to create internal cohesion and maintain certain groups in power.
If, on the one hand, the rhetoric of external enemies to fight has been the central link for the Kim dynasty to stay in power, on the other hand, it leaves doubt as to how soon domestic difficulties can be contained. The Covid-19 crisis is another part of this story.
source: Noticias
