Guillermo D. Olmo

North Korea has experienced modest economic improvement driven by arms exports to Russia, increased cooperation with China, rising electricity supply in Pyongyang and renewed activity in state-controlled industries. Kim Jong-un has used these gains to strengthen his political position while continuing to expand the country’s nuclear and military capabilities. Despite limited growth, living conditions remain harsh outside the capital, with persistent repression, food insecurity and widespread human rights abuses. Experts caution that the current upturn is fragile, heavily dependent on wartime demand, foreign partnerships and illicit revenue streams such as cryptocurrency theft, with little benefit reaching the population beyond North Korea’s elite.

Venezuela faces reconstruction costs estimated between US$12 billion and US$20 billion after devastating earthquakes severely damaged infrastructure across several states. Existing pledges from foreign governments and multilateral organizations fall far short of what experts consider necessary. The crisis is compounded by years of economic decline, hyperinflation, loss of credit access, and political distrust toward the Venezuelan government, which complicates international funding efforts. The IMF has reestablished contacts with Caracas but offers no immediate financing, while the United States, China and the UN have provided limited aid. Experts warn that transparent management, external oversight and qualified personnel will be essential for a viable reconstruction process.