On April 18, 2017, in response to a failed missile test by the North Korean regime, US Defense Secretary James Mattis stated: “The President and his military team are aware of North Korea’s most recent unsuccessful missile launch. The President has no further comment.” This was the perfect response to what was a serious provocation on behalf of North Korea. It refuses to legitimize their actions, reducing the satisfaction the regime gains from committing them. However, more recently, responses from the US President have been much less restrained. From “fire and fury” to the latest barrage of tweets directed at the North Korean regime, President Trump has single-handedly given North Korea what they have always wanted: recognition. By continuing to attack them on twitter, Trump is only legitimizing the government and its actions. Also, these attacks act as propaganda for the Kim regime. As Kim is seen as a deity in North Korea, any criticism of him by the US and the international community can be used as anti-US propaganda and inspire nationalistic fervor within the DPRK. What do you think of this assessment? Do you think that US political figures should adopt a different stance to dealing with this issue? Why, and what would you suggest be changed?
