The North Korean leader has shown reformist instincts, much like a certain Chinese leader from the late 1970s, but he needs security before he can move forward.
Has the world entered a new era of chaos? America's vacillating policy towards Syria certainly suggests so. Indeed, the bitter legacy of the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, followed by the 2008 financial crisis, has made the United States not only reluctant to use its military might, even when "red lines" are crossed, but also seemingly unwilling to bear any serious burden to maintain its global leadership position. But if America is no longer willing to lead, who will take its place?