As well as formally declaring that it's now  a nuclear weapon state, it's also conducted  
As well as formally declaring that it's now  a nuclear weapon state, it's also conducted  

a series of major missile tests - including  a rocket designed to hit the United States.
a series of major missile tests - including  a rocket designed to hit the United States.

But, in amongst all this, there was  another fascinating development.
But, in amongst all this, there was  another fascinating development.

In November, pictures emerge of the  North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un,  
In November, pictures emerge of the  North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un,  

attending a missile site with his daughter.
attending a missile site with his daughter.

In a country that's been called 'The Hermit  Kingdom', and has already seen power pass through  
In a country that's been called 'The Hermit  Kingdom', and has already seen power pass through  

three generations of the Kim family, could this  be our first glimpse of North Korea's next leader?
three generations of the Kim family, could this  be our first glimpse of North Korea's next leader?

Hello and welcome to the channel. If you're  new, my name is James Ker-Lindsay and here  
Hello and welcome to the channel. If you're  new, my name is James Ker-Lindsay and here  

I take an informed look at international  relations, conflict, security and statehood.
I take an informed look at international  relations, conflict, security and statehood.

Even in the 21st century, the  principle of inherited leadership  
Even in the 21st century, the  principle of inherited leadership  

remains surprisingly prevalent around the world.
remains surprisingly prevalent around the world.

Indeed, around 40 of the 193 members  of the United Nations are monarchies.
Indeed, around 40 of the 193 members  of the United Nations are monarchies.

In many cases, particularly in the West,  this comes with no political power.
In many cases, particularly in the West,  this comes with no political power.

The king, queen, prince or grand  duke is merely a symbolic figurehead.
The king, queen, prince or grand  duke is merely a symbolic figurehead.

Elsewhere, for example in the Middle East,  
Elsewhere, for example in the Middle East,  

they continue to have a direct  say over their countries.
they continue to have a direct  say over their countries.

But perhaps far more interestingly  are those republics where political  
But perhaps far more interestingly  are those republics where political  

power has passed from one generation to the next.
power has passed from one generation to the next.

Sometimes, this is done through democratic -  though occasionally controversial - processes;  
Sometimes, this is done through democratic -  though occasionally controversial - processes;  

as has happened in the United  States, India, and Greece.
as has happened in the United  States, India, and Greece.

At other times, it's occurred in autocratic  systems - as we've seen in Syria and Azerbaijan.
At other times, it's occurred in autocratic  systems - as we've seen in Syria and Azerbaijan.

But perhaps the most interesting  example is North Korea.
But perhaps the most interesting  example is North Korea.

This highly secretive communist state has now been  ruled by three generations of the same family.
This highly secretive communist state has now been  ruled by three generations of the same family.

And there are signs that the dynasty may continue.
And there are signs that the dynasty may continue.

So, how did this Marxist monarchy  emerge? How has it survived? And are  
So, how did this Marxist monarchy  emerge? How has it survived? And are  

we really seeing the emergence  of a fourth generation leader?
we really seeing the emergence  of a fourth generation leader?

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, more  usually known as North Korea, lies in East Asia.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, more  usually known as North Korea, lies in East Asia.

To its south, it borders the Republic of Korea.
To its south, it borders the Republic of Korea.

To its north, it has a 1400  kilometre border with China  
To its north, it has a 1400  kilometre border with China  

as well as a tiny 17 kilometre border with Russia.
as well as a tiny 17 kilometre border with Russia.

At 120,000 square kilometres,  
At 120,000 square kilometres,  

or 47,000 square miles, it's the 98th  largest member of the United Nations.
or 47,000 square miles, it's the 98th  largest member of the United Nations.

While there are no reliable demographic  indicators available for the country,  
While there are no reliable demographic  indicators available for the country,  

it's believed its population is around 26 million  - roughly half of the 52 million in the South.
it's believed its population is around 26 million  - roughly half of the 52 million in the South.

Likewise there are no reliable  figures for its economy.
Likewise there are no reliable  figures for its economy.

Estimates suggest that its per  capita GDP stands at around US$620,  
Estimates suggest that its per  capita GDP stands at around US$620,  

putting in the bottom 10 of countries worldwide.
putting in the bottom 10 of countries worldwide.

Korea has a long and fascinating history.
Korea has a long and fascinating history.

Having emerged as a unified kingdom in  the 8th Century, the Korean Peninsula has  
Having emerged as a unified kingdom in  the 8th Century, the Korean Peninsula has  

spent much of its history caught between  its larger and more powerful neighbours.
spent much of its history caught between  its larger and more powerful neighbours.

However, our story really begins in 1910  when Korea was annexed by Imperial Japan.
However, our story really begins in 1910  when Korea was annexed by Imperial Japan.

Suffering a particularly brutal form of  colonial rule, this lasted until the end  
Suffering a particularly brutal form of  colonial rule, this lasted until the end  

of the Second World War, when Japan  Was defeated and forced to withdraw.
of the Second World War, when Japan  Was defeated and forced to withdraw.

But as the Cold War began, both  the United States and the Soviet  
But as the Cold War began, both  the United States and the Soviet  

Union wanted control of the Korean peninsula.
Union wanted control of the Korean peninsula.

In the end, they agreed a compromise and Korea  
In the end, they agreed a compromise and Korea  

was divided into two zones of  control along the 38th parallel.
was divided into two zones of  control along the 38th parallel.

In the South, the United States Military  Government in Korea remained in control  
In the South, the United States Military  Government in Korea remained in control  

until May 1948, when the new Republic of Korea was  created under its first president Rhee Syngman.
until May 1948, when the new Republic of Korea was  created under its first president Rhee Syngman.

Meanwhile, in the North, Soviet  rule continued until November 1948,  
Meanwhile, in the North, Soviet  rule continued until November 1948,  

when the People's Democratic Republic of  Korea emerged led by its premier, Kim Il-sung.
when the People's Democratic Republic of  Korea emerged led by its premier, Kim Il-sung.

Kim Il-sung was born Kim Song-ju  in April 1912 close to Pyongyang,  
Kim Il-sung was born Kim Song-ju  in April 1912 close to Pyongyang,  

now the capital of North Korea.
now the capital of North Korea.

Having been brought up in China  after his parents fled Japanese rule,  
Having been brought up in China  after his parents fled Japanese rule,  

he joined a communist group in  his youth and ended up in jail.
he joined a communist group in  his youth and ended up in jail.

Following this, he then joined the  anti-Japanese resistance adopting  
Following this, he then joined the  anti-Japanese resistance adopting  

the nom de guerre of an earlier  fighter against Japanese rule.
the nom de guerre of an earlier  fighter against Japanese rule.

At the outbreak of the Second World War,  he joined the Soviet Army becoming a major.
At the outbreak of the Second World War,  he joined the Soviet Army becoming a major.

And with the end of the war, he quickly rose  up the ranks of Russian-controlled Korea.
And with the end of the war, he quickly rose  up the ranks of Russian-controlled Korea.

As well as becoming the first  premier of the new DPRK,  
As well as becoming the first  premier of the new DPRK,  

he also became the head of the  ruling Korean Workers Party.
he also became the head of the  ruling Korean Workers Party.

With North Korea now under his control,  
With North Korea now under his control,  

Kim set his sights on reunifying  the peninsula under communist rule.
Kim set his sights on reunifying  the peninsula under communist rule.

And on the 25th of June 1950 he launched  a full-scale Invasion at the South.
And on the 25th of June 1950 he launched  a full-scale Invasion at the South.

With the Soviet Union boycotting the United  Nations, the Security Council passed a  
With the Soviet Union boycotting the United  Nations, the Security Council passed a  

resolution calling for the North Korean  forces to withdraw to the 38th parallel.
resolution calling for the North Korean  forces to withdraw to the 38th parallel.

But, when this failed, it then authorised  the use of force to repel the attack.
But, when this failed, it then authorised  the use of force to repel the attack.

As the U.S. led forces of the  United Nations fought back,  
As the U.S. led forces of the  United Nations fought back,  

the North Koreans were forced to retreat.
the North Koreans were forced to retreat.

It was at this point that communist China,  then allied to the Soviet Union, stepped in.
It was at this point that communist China,  then allied to the Soviet Union, stepped in.

The Korean War eventually came to an  end with a ceasefire on 27 July 1953.
The Korean War eventually came to an  end with a ceasefire on 27 July 1953.

After three years a bitter and brutal fighting  
After three years a bitter and brutal fighting  

that's believed to have left over  a million dead, little had changed.
that's believed to have left over  a million dead, little had changed.

The peninsula continued to remain  partitioned along the 38th parallel.
The peninsula continued to remain  partitioned along the 38th parallel.

Following the war, Kim consolidated his hour  by eliminating any and all remaining rivals.
Following the war, Kim consolidated his hour  by eliminating any and all remaining rivals.

However, he now faced a new challenge  as tensions grew between his patrons:  
However, he now faced a new challenge  as tensions grew between his patrons:  

the Soviet Union and communist China.
the Soviet Union and communist China.

Eventually, he distanced North Korea  from them both; formulating the principle  
Eventually, he distanced North Korea  from them both; formulating the principle  

of self-reliance - Juche - that guides  the country's outlook to this very day.
of self-reliance - Juche - that guides  the country's outlook to this very day.

Meanwhile, as the country retreated in on itself,  
Meanwhile, as the country retreated in on itself,  

Kim Il-sung began to craft a personality  cult; becoming "the wise and beloved leader".
Kim Il-sung began to craft a personality  cult; becoming "the wise and beloved leader".

Alongside this, he also  increased his family's standing.
Alongside this, he also  increased his family's standing.

His father became revered as a revolutionary  hero who'd fought the Japanese.
His father became revered as a revolutionary  hero who'd fought the Japanese.

Likewise, his first wife, who died in 1949, was  venerated as a hero of the war against Japan.
Likewise, his first wife, who died in 1949, was  venerated as a hero of the war against Japan.

At the same time, his younger brother came to  prominence and was seen as a potential successor.
At the same time, his younger brother came to  prominence and was seen as a potential successor.

That was until his son came onto the  political scene in the early 1970s.
That was until his son came onto the  political scene in the early 1970s.

Starting his career as an aide  to his father, Kim Jong-il,  
Starting his career as an aide  to his father, Kim Jong-il,  

though rarely mentioned by name in public,  quickly climbed the ranks of the ruling party.
though rarely mentioned by name in public,  quickly climbed the ranks of the ruling party.

And as rumours swirled about the president's  health, and it became increasingly clear that  
And as rumours swirled about the president's  health, and it became increasingly clear that  

the president's brother was unfit for office,  Kim Jong-il began to be groomed to take over.
the president's brother was unfit for office,  Kim Jong-il began to be groomed to take over.

And despite claims that this was opposed by  elements within the ruling party, in 1980 the  
And despite claims that this was opposed by  elements within the ruling party, in 1980 the  

young Kim was formally designated as his father's  successor - a first in a formally socialist state.
young Kim was formally designated as his father's  successor - a first in a formally socialist state.

In the years that followed,  
In the years that followed,  

Kim Jong-il Consolidated his position -  even serving as head of the armed forces.
Kim Jong-il Consolidated his position -  even serving as head of the armed forces.

Moreover, under his de facto leadership,  North Korea became increasingly aggressive.
Moreover, under his de facto leadership,  North Korea became increasingly aggressive.

This included launching high-profile  attacks against South Korean targets,  
This included launching high-profile  attacks against South Korean targets,  

including the bombing of an airliner  over southeast Asia in 1987.
including the bombing of an airliner  over southeast Asia in 1987.

As a result, the United States now designated  North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism.
As a result, the United States now designated  North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism.

In July 1994, Kim Il-sung the "Great  Leader", as he was known, died aged 82.
In July 1994, Kim Il-sung the "Great  Leader", as he was known, died aged 82.

As planned, Kim Jong-il now  assumed the Reigns of power.
As planned, Kim Jong-il now  assumed the Reigns of power.

But while he became the chairman of the Korean  Workers Party in October 1997, he never took  
But while he became the chairman of the Korean  Workers Party in October 1997, he never took  

the post of President - a position that was  reserved for his father, "the Eternal President".
the post of President - a position that was  reserved for his father, "the Eternal President".

Instead, his place as the country's "Dear Leader"  
Instead, his place as the country's "Dear Leader"  

was cemented by a complex range of  other posts in the state apparatus.
was cemented by a complex range of  other posts in the state apparatus.

Like his father, Kim Jong-il placed heavy  emphasis on the idea of self-reliance.
Like his father, Kim Jong-il placed heavy  emphasis on the idea of self-reliance.

However, following a decline that  had begun in earnest in the 1970s,  
However, following a decline that  had begun in earnest in the 1970s,  

the country instead deteriorated rapidly.
the country instead deteriorated rapidly.

This was marked by a disastrous four-year  famine that began around the time he took over.
This was marked by a disastrous four-year  famine that began around the time he took over.

Widely believed to have led to anywhere  between one and three million deaths,  
Widely believed to have led to anywhere  between one and three million deaths,  

the country became increasingly  dependent on international aid.
the country became increasingly  dependent on international aid.

But rather than soften its position, North  Korea instead became increasingly aggressive.
But rather than soften its position, North  Korea instead became increasingly aggressive.

As well as increasing the power of  the military, the country began to  
As well as increasing the power of  the military, the country began to  

develop long-range missiles and stepped  up its nuclear weapons research program.
develop long-range missiles and stepped  up its nuclear weapons research program.

This came to International attention  in October 2006 when news broke that  
This came to International attention  in October 2006 when news broke that  

North Korea had tested its first nuclear bomb.
North Korea had tested its first nuclear bomb.

Condemned by the UN Security Council, the move  cemented the country standing as a pariah state.
Condemned by the UN Security Council, the move  cemented the country standing as a pariah state.

This reputation was also further  underscored by growing reports  
This reputation was also further  underscored by growing reports  

of the country's involvement in international  organised crime; including human trafficking,  
of the country's involvement in international  organised crime; including human trafficking,  

counterfeiting, and drugs and arms smuggling.
counterfeiting, and drugs and arms smuggling.

On 17 December 2011, Kim Jong-il  died after 17 years in power.
On 17 December 2011, Kim Jong-il  died after 17 years in power.

Having become the first and only example  of a hereditary communist regime,  
Having become the first and only example  of a hereditary communist regime,  

the country confirmed its place as a fully fledged  
the country confirmed its place as a fully fledged  

Marxist monarchy when the late leader  was succeeded by his son Kim Jong-un.
Marxist monarchy when the late leader  was succeeded by his son Kim Jong-un.

As an aside, though, he hadn't been  the first in line for the post.
As an aside, though, he hadn't been  the first in line for the post.

Instead, Kim Jong-nam, Kim Jong-il's  [corrected] older son by a different  
Instead, Kim Jong-nam, Kim Jong-il's  [corrected] older son by a different  

partner, had been the expected successor.
partner, had been the expected successor.

However, he'd been demoted after  being caught using a false passport  
However, he'd been demoted after  being caught using a false passport  

trying to get into Japan to go to a theme park.
trying to get into Japan to go to a theme park.

Having gone into exile, he was eventually  assassinated in Malaysia in 2017.
Having gone into exile, he was eventually  assassinated in Malaysia in 2017.

At first, there were hopes that the  new leader, who was just 29 years old,  
At first, there were hopes that the  new leader, who was just 29 years old,  

would perhaps open the country  and take it in a new direction.
would perhaps open the country  and take it in a new direction.

Having been educated in Switzerland, he was  known to have a fondness for Western culture.
Having been educated in Switzerland, he was  known to have a fondness for Western culture.

But any hopes that this would mark a  softening of attitudes were quickly dispelled.
But any hopes that this would mark a  softening of attitudes were quickly dispelled.

While it's unclear if there was any  serious challenge to his accession at  
While it's unclear if there was any  serious challenge to his accession at  

the time he had assumed power, the  new Supreme Leader quickly ensured  
the time he had assumed power, the  new Supreme Leader quickly ensured  

that any challenge to his authority  was swiftly and ruthlessly put down.
that any challenge to his authority  was swiftly and ruthlessly put down.

Most famously, this led to the trial and execution  of his uncle, the vice-chairman of the National  
Most famously, this led to the trial and execution  of his uncle, the vice-chairman of the National  

Defense Commission - a post-widely regarded as  the second most senior in the North Korean state.
Defense Commission - a post-widely regarded as  the second most senior in the North Korean state.

Meanwhile, having consolidated his power at home,  
Meanwhile, having consolidated his power at home,  

Kim Jong-un continued to pursue the country's  nuclear program - even after a high profile,  
Kim Jong-un continued to pursue the country's  nuclear program - even after a high profile,  

if rather bizarre, attempt at disarmament  during the Trump Administration.
if rather bizarre, attempt at disarmament  during the Trump Administration.

Since then, tensions have continued to grow.
Since then, tensions have continued to grow.

In September 2022, North Korea announced that  it was now formally a nuclear weapon state and,  
In September 2022, North Korea announced that  it was now formally a nuclear weapon state and,  

more to the point, it would no longer be  willing to discuss giving up its nuclear bombs.
more to the point, it would no longer be  willing to discuss giving up its nuclear bombs.

Since then, it's gone even further;  
Since then, it's gone even further;  

claiming that it now intends to build  the world's strongest nuclear force.
claiming that it now intends to build  the world's strongest nuclear force.

On top of this, the country has also continued  with its wider arms development programs.
On top of this, the country has also continued  with its wider arms development programs.

These include efforts to develop  intercontinental ballistic missiles.
These include efforts to develop  intercontinental ballistic missiles.

And it's this that's led to  the interesting insight into  
And it's this that's led to  the interesting insight into  

the potential future leader of the country.
the potential future leader of the country.

In early November 2022, North Korean  State television aired footage of Kim  
In early November 2022, North Korean  State television aired footage of Kim  

Jong-un touring a missile site  accompanied by his daughter.
Jong-un touring a missile site  accompanied by his daughter.

Although very little is known about her,  it's believed that her name is Kim Ju-ae,  
Although very little is known about her,  it's believed that her name is Kim Ju-ae,  

that she's the middle of his three children,  and is aged around 9 or 10 years old.
that she's the middle of his three children,  and is aged around 9 or 10 years old.

Since then, further pictures have emerged and all  
Since then, further pictures have emerged and all  

this has naturally fed speculation that  she's now been groomed to take over.
this has naturally fed speculation that  she's now been groomed to take over.

Of course, it's far too early to say  whether she will in fact become the  
Of course, it's far too early to say  whether she will in fact become the  

fourth generation of the Kim  family to lead North Korea.
fourth generation of the Kim  family to lead North Korea.

But given the persistent rumours  about her father's health, it's a  
But given the persistent rumours  about her father's health, it's a  

development that's inevitably raised  a lot of of international interest.
development that's inevitably raised  a lot of of international interest.

But there may yet be an interesting  twist to this whole story.
But there may yet be an interesting  twist to this whole story.

There have also been rumours that Kim  Jong-un's younger sister, Kim Yo-jong,  
There have also been rumours that Kim  Jong-un's younger sister, Kim Yo-jong,  

could also be lining up to take over  should anything happen to her brother.
could also be lining up to take over  should anything happen to her brother.

Either way, therefore, North Korea  could well be on course to have its  
Either way, therefore, North Korea  could well be on course to have its  

first female supreme leader;  the first queen at the Hermit  
first female supreme leader;  the first queen at the Hermit  

Kingdom - a leader who would also become  the modern world's first woman dictator.
Kingdom - a leader who would also become  the modern world's first woman dictator.

But, of course North Korea isn't  the only country that poses a  
But, of course North Korea isn't  the only country that poses a  

threat to International peace and security,  
threat to International peace and security,  

here's a playlist looking at other pariah and  failed states that you might find interesting.
here's a playlist looking at other pariah and  failed states that you might find interesting.

Thanks so much for watching  and see you in the next video.
Thanks so much for watching  and see you in the next video.