Kim Jong Un's Strategic Shift Toward a Post-Western Global Order

Executive Summary

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has decisively shifted his country's foreign policy away from seeking recognition and engagement with the United States and South Korea, instead embracing a strategic alignment with emerging powers such as China, Russia, and the BRICS coalition. This shift was symbolized by his prominent front-row presence alongside Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin at China's 2025 Victory Day military parade in Beijing, signaling North Korea's integration into a multipolar international community that challenges US-led global dominance. Since the collapse of US-DPRK diplomacy in 2019, Kim has rejected personal outreach from Donald Trump and new South Korean administrations, emphasizing relations with socialist and anti-imperialist countries. The 2024 treaty with Russia and participation in BRICS sideline events indicate Pyongyang's ambition to join this bloc, which represents a significant portion of the world's population and GDP. Kim's policy reflects a long-standing North Korean pursuit of sovereignty, legitimacy, and prestige beyond US approval, marking a new era where denuclearization talks are deemed unnecessary and counterproductive. This realignment is partly a response to US foreign policy that groups adversaries into a single bloc, inadvertently strengthening their cooperation. Kim's September 2025 speech confirmed the end of normalization efforts through denuclearization, underscoring a fundamental recalibration of North Korea's international strategy.

Situation

Historically, North Korea sought legitimacy through normalization with the United States, but the breakdown of the 2019 Hanoi talks revealed irreconcilable goals. Kim Jong Un's attendance at the 2025 Victory Day parade alongside global leaders reflects a deliberate pivot to a post-Western order. This move leverages geopolitical fractures, particularly the rift between the US and China-Russia, to assert North Korea's independence and influence. The 2024 treaty with Russia pledges mutual support for international organization membership, and North Korea's engagement with BRICS events signals its desire to join the bloc. US policy aiming to isolate adversaries by grouping them as a unified threat has instead fostered their cooperation, benefiting Pyongyang. Despite hopes that Donald Trump's return might revive diplomacy, his critical rhetoric towards China, Russia, and North Korea has reinforced the anti-Western bloc narrative. Kim's September 21 speech to the Supreme People's Assembly explicitly rejected denuclearization and reunification talks, signaling a permanent strategic shift. This new posture challenges traditional diplomacy on the Korean Peninsula and suggests that future engagement must adapt or risk obsolescence.

International Impact

Kim Jong Un's strategic realignment has significant implications for regional and global security. It strengthens the emerging multipolar order led by BRICS and allied nations, challenging US influence in East Asia. The shift complicates diplomatic efforts toward denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula, potentially increasing tensions. International leaders have observed this development with concern, as it signals a diminished role for traditional US-led engagement strategies. The integration of North Korea into a broader anti-Western coalition may embolden similar moves by other states, altering global power dynamics. This evolution underscores the limits of US diplomatic approaches and the growing influence of alternative international frameworks.

Decision Maker Perspectives

North Korea (Kim Jong Un): Seeking legitimacy and economic development through alignment with BRICS and Russia, rejecting US-led normalization and denuclearization talks.

United States (Government and Donald Trump): Maintaining a combine-and-contain policy grouping adversaries as a bloc, inadvertently strengthening their cooperation; Trump's rhetoric reinforces anti-Western narratives.

China and Russia: Supporting a multipolar world order and fostering ties with North Korea to counter US dominance.

Source Perspectives

Asia Times: Provides an analytical and comprehensive view of North Korea's strategic shift and its implications for the global order, emphasizing multipolarity and anti-imperialist narratives.

BRICS+ Strategic Troika: Rebalancing Global Trade and Governance

Executive Summary

The BRICS+ coalition, comprising emerging economies representing over half the world's population and nearly half of global GDP, is increasingly positioning itself as a counterbalance to the US-led global order. Following the election of Donald Trump as US president in 2025, characterized by intensified trade securitization, tariff wars, and erosion of the World Trade Organization's authority, BRICS+ members have condemned protectionist US policies. Drawing inspiration from the Greek hero Odysseus' strategic intelligence, the coalition aims to pursue a 'strategic troika' of kairos (opportune timing), metis (practical intelligence), and telos (goal) to institutionalize international trade justice and reform global governance. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has articulated the need for fair, transparent, and inclusive trade practices benefiting developing countries. The proposed four-pronged reform agenda seeks to make BRICS+ a norm-setter in global trade, addressing procedural and distributive justice, and building resilient supply chains. Despite internal differences, coordinated action is seen as essential to counteract unilateral protectionist measures and reshape the global economic landscape.

Situation

Since Trump's 2025 presidency, US trade policies have intensified protectionism and tariff impositions, notably affecting BRICS members like India and Brazil. This has catalyzed BRICS+ to assert a more active role in global trade governance. The coalition's growing membership interest and economic weight challenge the traditional hegemony of Western powers. The strategic troika framework—kairos, metis, telos—provides a conceptual roadmap for BRICS+ to capitalize on current geopolitical shifts, exercise agile and coordinated diplomacy, and achieve equitable trade outcomes. Recent BRICS summits have featured strong rhetoric against US unilateralism and calls for institutional reforms to ensure fairness and special treatment for developing economies. The coalition faces challenges from internal diversity but recognizes the necessity of unity to influence global norms effectively.

International Impact

BRICS+'s assertive stance signals a shift toward a multipolar economic order, potentially diminishing US and Western influence over international trade rules. This rebalancing could lead to the establishment of alternative institutions and norms that better represent developing nations' interests. The coalition's emphasis on trade justice and supply chain resilience may inspire reforms in global economic governance, affecting international relations and economic policies worldwide. Global leaders and institutions are closely monitoring these developments as they may redefine power structures and economic alliances in the coming decades.

Decision Maker Perspectives

BRICS+ Member States (e.g., India, Brazil): Seeking to reform global trade governance to ensure fairness, transparency, and equitable treatment for developing countries, and to counteract US protectionism.

United States (Under Trump Administration): Pursuing aggressive trade securitization and tariff policies aimed at protecting national interests, but provoking backlash from emerging economies.

Source Perspectives

Asia Times: Offers an in-depth analysis of BRICS+ strategic positioning and the need for institutional reforms to challenge hegemonic trade practices.

Deportation of Harjit Kaur, 73, from the US to India Sparks Community Outcry

Executive Summary

Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old grandmother who lived in the United States for over 30 years, was deported to India on September 22, 2025, after unsuccessful asylum applications and legal appeals. Originally from Punjab, India, she moved to California in 1991 with her two sons to escape political turmoil. Despite working legally and paying taxes, Kaur was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on September 8 during a routine check-in and subsequently held in a Georgia facility under reportedly harsh conditions, including lack of proper bedding and inadequate food accommodations. ICE stated that Kaur had exhausted all legal remedies, including appeals up to the Ninth Circuit Court, and that her deportation was enforcement of existing law. Her deportation has sparked protests and outrage within the Sikh community and broader immigrant rights advocates, highlighting concerns over the treatment of elderly immigrants and the broader US immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration, which critics say have targeted immigrants without criminal records who have followed due process.

Situation

Harjit Kaur's case reflects the complexities and controversies surrounding US immigration enforcement. After decades of residence and multiple asylum attempts, her legal avenues were exhausted, leading to ICE's enforcement action. Her detention conditions, particularly given her age and health issues, have been criticized by her lawyer and supporters. The case has drawn attention to the broader context of increased immigration crackdowns under the Trump administration, which has emphasized deporting individuals deemed 'worst of the worst' but has also affected law-abiding immigrants. Community protests in California and media coverage have amplified calls for humane treatment and reconsideration of immigration policies. Kaur's deportation underscores the challenges faced by long-term immigrants navigating the US legal system amid shifting political climates.

International Impact

The deportation has strained relations between immigrant communities and US authorities, drawing international media attention and criticism from human rights groups. It highlights the human impact of US immigration policies and may affect diplomatic sensitivities with India, given the high-profile nature of the case. The incident contributes to the ongoing global discourse on immigration enforcement, asylum rights, and the treatment of elderly and vulnerable migrants. It also reflects the broader challenges faced by countries balancing immigration control with humanitarian considerations.

Decision Maker Perspectives

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Enforcing immigration laws and court orders, emphasizing that Kaur exhausted all legal remedies and that deportation is a lawful action.

Harjit Kaur's Legal Counsel and Supporters: Criticizing the treatment of Kaur during detention and advocating for more humane immigration enforcement policies, highlighting her long-term residence and lack of criminal record.

Trump Administration: Implementing a strict immigration enforcement agenda aimed at deporting unauthorized immigrants, including those without criminal records.

Source Perspectives

BBC News: Reports the facts of the deportation with emphasis on the human and community impact, maintaining a neutral and informative stance.

US Air Force Develops New Defensive Cyber Campaign Plan to Protect Critical Infrastructure

Executive Summary

The US Air Force's 16th Air Force is developing a new strategy to harmonize its cyber defense efforts, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure and key operational networks. Traditionally, cyber defense missions have been divided between Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSSPs), responsible for persistent defense, and Cyber Protection Teams, which hunt adversaries within networks. The new approach aims to synchronize these efforts under a 'mission thread defense' framework, ensuring the resilience and integrity of mission-critical operations against cyber threats. This strategy addresses the widening threat landscape, including sophisticated malware like the Chinese 'Volt Typhoon,' which targets critical infrastructure by exploiting legitimate system tools. Recognizing that many critical systems are operated by public utilities outside direct military control, the Air Force is collaborating with utility companies through research agreements to enhance defenses, share intelligence, and deploy monitoring sensors. The plan underscores the importance of protecting not only military bases but also the civilian infrastructure that supports them, ensuring operational continuity even under cyberattack.

Situation

Cybersecurity has become a paramount concern for the US military, especially given the increasing complexity of threats targeting critical infrastructure. The 16th Air Force's commander, Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley, highlighted the need to unify disparate cyber defense teams to better protect essential systems. The 'mission thread defense' concept integrates hardware, software, and network components to safeguard entire operational sequences. The discovery of advanced malware like Volt Typhoon, which uses legitimate system tools for malicious purposes, exemplifies the evolving threat environment. Since many infrastructure systems are managed by civilian utilities, the Air Force is proactively establishing partnerships to improve defense capabilities and information sharing. Exercises involving the National Guard simulate responses to cyberattacks on utilities, preparing for coordinated defense in crisis scenarios. This comprehensive approach reflects a shift from isolated cyber defense to integrated, mission-focused resilience.

International Impact

The US Air Force's enhanced cyber defense strategy signals to global adversaries the prioritization of critical infrastructure security in national defense. It may prompt other nations to adopt similar integrated cyber defense frameworks and foster international cooperation on cybersecurity standards. The focus on protecting civilian utilities highlights the blurred lines between military and civilian domains in cyber warfare, raising awareness about the vulnerabilities of public infrastructure worldwide. This development contributes to the broader discourse on cyber deterrence, resilience, and the need for public-private partnerships in safeguarding national security interests.

Decision Maker Perspectives

US Air Force (16th Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley): Advocating for harmonized cyber defense operations focusing on mission thread defense to protect critical infrastructure and ensure operational resilience.

Public Utility Companies: Engaging in cooperative agreements with the Air Force to enhance cybersecurity, share intelligence, and implement monitoring to protect infrastructure.

Source Perspectives

Breaking Defense: Provides detailed coverage of the Air Force's evolving cyber defense strategy, emphasizing the importance of integrated and mission-focused approaches.