Arms Control in North Korea?

NKGulag reports recent changes in the “Military First” policy, including a reduction in terms of conscription. In the past, North Korea gave the military first pick of the outside aid, so it was spared the worst of the famine of the 1990s. Indeed, the army was one of the few places North Koreans could count on a steady meal—and maybe even a little something to send home. Recent reductions in outside aid have meant that hunger is now felt in the military, too, forcing what appear to be reductions in overall troop strength.

All of this comes with the usual disclaimers about rumors from the world’s most closed society, but cutting outside food aid appears to have disproportionately hurt the regime and the military that keeps it in power.

Lesson–sometimes the most effective diplomacy doesn’t happen at bargaining tables.