North Korea’s claim to have successfully tested a hydrogen bomb has been widely denounced as both irresponsible and irrational – proof of the folly of an inexperienced but power-hunger leader eager to celebrate his 33rd birthday. Yet it is always worth remembering that the regime has a very clear strategy in mind. As far as Pyongyang is concerned, the nuclear weapons programme, whether based on uranium or hydrogen, is the ultimate guarantor of its national security. And while the world has expressed shock and surprise at yesterday’s announcement, there have been indications that something in this vein was on the way for months. Read more
