The political climate internationally and domestically for the United States is poor. Internationally, two foreign wars rage on in Ukraine (Eastern Europe) and Gaza (the Middle East). As the world appears to teeter on the brink of world war three, another nation in the Pacific appears to be acting aggressively. On New Years to begin the calendar year of 2024, Kim Jong Un made a statement promising more aggression against America.
As the fall of 2024 approaches, the upcoming presidential election draws nearer. One issue that appears to be a major issue is that of international security and America’s standing on the world stage. The Republican nominee, Donald Trump previously served as the 45th president of the United States. During his single term in office, Trump championed the philosophy of “peace through strength” when implementing his foreign policy agenda. Largely, the world benefitted from a strong American executive. Trump had managed to calm down the bombastic North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and met him on North Korean soil. This marked the first time that an American president actually engaged in a physical act of diplomacy with a leader from the rogue communist nation. Trump had also managed to mitigate a trade deficit with China and was beginning to help the United States gain the “upper hand” in a trade war with the rival power before the COVID-19 pandemic reversed these fortunes.
Tensions between North and South Korea are once again on the rise. The South Korean nation dropped leaflets across North Korean soil recently, denouncing the regime in Pyongyang. In response, North Korea said the South Koreans would face dire consequences for this action. 29 balloons carried these leaflets, and when they were discovered, officials zoned off areas to dispose of them so that the public would not be privy to the information and blockaded streets. Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s sister, gave a warning on state media.