The title "How North Korea Won" and its accompanying subtitle, "The Strange Triumph of Kim Jong Un," from Foreign Affairs, suggest a provocative and counterintuitive narrative. In a world where North Korea is often portrayed as an isolated, economically struggling, and internationally condemned state, the idea of it having "won" something is inherently intriguing. This framing implies that despite its perceived weaknesses and the immense pressure it faces, the regime under Kim Jong Un has achieved a significant, perhaps unexpected, success.

The article likely delves into the strategies and tactics employed by North Korea that have allowed it to navigate its precarious geopolitical position. This could encompass a range of areas, from its pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile technology as a deterrent and a bargaining chip, to its sophisticated diplomatic maneuvering and its ability to exploit international divisions. The "strange triumph" might refer to its resilience in the face of sanctions, its capacity to maintain internal stability, or its success in projecting an image of strength and defiance on the global stage. It might also explore how North Korea has managed to maintain its sovereignty and pursue its agenda despite the overwhelming power of its adversaries, such as the United States and its allies.

Furthermore, the article could analyze the internal dynamics of the Kim Jong Un regime, exploring how he has consolidated power, maintained ideological control, and fostered a sense of national unity or loyalty. The "triumph" could be interpreted as the regime's ability to survive and even thrive in an environment that many would expect to lead to its collapse. It might also touch upon the complex relationship North Korea has with its neighbors, particularly South Korea and China, and how it has leveraged these relationships to its advantage. The "winning" aspect could be seen not as a conventional victory on a battlefield, but as a sustained and effective struggle for survival and self-determination in a hostile international landscape. The article's title serves as a hook, challenging conventional wisdom and promising an in-depth examination of how a seemingly disadvantaged nation has managed to achieve a form of success on its own terms.