I mean, honestly, if the environment is close to what this guy is describing, he's probably been in 'back watching mode' for awhile. But he can't literally kill everyone. Well, I mean, I guess he could, but good luck at that point running anything, or having anyone defend you from an ever increasing upset populace once their all dead.
I've always found the people who are able to escape NK and their stories. Is there a good book or collection of stories that anyone is aware of? I'd love to learn or read more
This is a good narrative but it's not true, US Conservatives have been softening on Russia for a while given its strong religious and anti-Gay stances and Putin's Strong Man Persona (also that Russia is effectively a corrupt Oligarchy probably doesn't hurt). It was happening well before Trump was a thing, he just made it a Republican party thing rather.
There are still a lot of conservatives who regard Putin as a villain, but they've watched their side get swept away singlehandedly by Trump's worldview in the span of 18 months. Trump did tip the scales on that issue, just as he has with many other elements of conservative orthodoxy.
If Trump wants to move the country in an isolationist direction, I wouldn't bet against it happening. That said, General Mattis is going to Japan and SK as we speak, so we'll have a better idea of Trump's policy towards Asian bases soon.
It's about time. I think the general notice, how much richer and modern South Korea and China have become. Who wants to protect and follow the leader of a pile of garbage? I bet, they would much more like to rule the country as a party similar to China.
But consider his "countries need to foot the bill for their own defence" rhetoric. US pulling bases out of foreign countries is absolutely on the table in the Trump worldview.
You'd also think cozying up to Russia would piss off conservatives, but he's singlehandedly changed the rules of who we consider an enemy.
I do agree that he has said that, but it is usually in regard to Europe. On the other hand he wants bigger military and defense budget and seems to have issues with China. It safe to say he really doesn't personally have any coherent or unified plan or strategy as it comes to foreign policy. Conservatives see US military bases as a rightfully won projection of power. They would be outraged if we "gave them up".
The impression I get is there have been diminishing returns on the Kim dynasty with each generation. The people loved Kim Il Sung, loved Kim Jong Il (though maybe not quite as much), and now merely accept Kim Jong Un with almost no reverence beyond the compulsory. A military coup is going to have a hard time maintaining the facade convincingly, which could be detrimental if we assume it's the glue holding that house of cards together,
