Global Power Shifts: El Mencho's Demise and Kim Jong Un's Reappointment

In a week marked by significant developments in global power dynamics, the demise of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho," and the reappointment of Kim Jong Un as North Korea's supreme leader have sent shockwaves across the globe. While El Mencho's killing signals a major blow to organized crime in Mexico, Kim Jong Un's consolidation of power underscores the resilience of authoritarian regimes.

El Mencho, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was Mexico's most wanted man. His rise to the top of the cartel was meteoric, achieved through aggression, ambition, brutality, and ruthlessness. The Mexican authorities and the US reported that US intelligence was involved in bringing down the kingpin, lending the operation a sense of cross-border cooperation that could benefit both governments. The Mexican military views El Mencho's death as a significant victory, weakening the CJNG's grip on the region.

In contrast, Kim Jong Un's reappointment as the general secretary of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party comes as no surprise, given the Kim family's decades-long rule over the dictatorship. State-run KCNA reported that under Kim's leadership, North Korea has "radically improved" its "war deterrence," with the nuclear forces as its pivot. Despite long-standing international sanctions, North Korea continues to build its nuclear capabilities, regularly testing banned intercontinental missiles.

Kim Jong Un's consolidation of power has significant implications for regional and global security. His investment in the nuclear weapons program has turned Pyongyang into a major player in the global nuclear landscape. However, the secrecy surrounding the regime makes it challenging to evaluate the military's progress.

The contrast between El Mencho's demise and Kim Jong Un's reappointment highlights the divergent paths of two nations grappling with issues of power, security, and governance. While Mexico's efforts to combat organized crime have yielded significant results, North Korea's authoritarian regime continues to defy international pressure and sanctions.

The implications of these developments are far-reaching. El Mencho's death may lead to a power struggle within the CJNG, potentially destabilizing the region. In contrast, Kim Jong Un's reappointment cements his grip on power, ensuring the continuation of North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

As the world grapples with the complexities of global power dynamics, one thing is clear: the fates of El Mencho and Kim Jong Un serve as a reminder of the enduring challenges of combating organized crime and authoritarianism.

Sources:
- Reuters
- BBC Central America and Cuba correspondent Will Grant
- AFP via Getty Images
- State-run KCNA