We’ve all no doubt seen and read the latest sanctions that have been imposed on North Korea both by the UN and South Korea. The situation changes daily and, as always, we are wise to cast a critical eye over sources and reports from both sides. However, despite the overwhelming international condemnation of their recent nuclear tests and missile launches, Pyongyang’s position – and confidence – remains obdurate. It would appear that we are now going to gain some insight into how successful a position of autarky can really be in the modern world. Naturally, we are going to assume that North Korea will suffer a great deal. With international trade based on market exchange one of the vital underpinnings of globalization and the current global political economy, Pyongyang will be without a paycheck.

And North Korea’s suffering is intended. These sanctions have been approved as a means of meting out punishment for their recent actions and have been put into place as a form of sentencing handed out from above in the global political hierarchy.