Warnings continue to come in about China’s economic bubble. In the past four years, property speculation has soared with residential housing alone now making up ten per cent of GDP.  China helped stabilise the 2008 crash and has continued in a key role with the Euro crisis. But who will step in if China’s economy collapses and would the global impact make the sub prime catalyst look like a picnic?  

The Third World War — A Future History

The Monterey Institute’s Center for  Non-Proliferation Studies reports that recent rhetoric coming from Pyongyang combined with a number of indicators visible on satellite images indicates that North Korea is preparing for its third nuclear test — possibly with a new uranium weapons design.

The Third World War — A Future History

North Korea’s Kim Jong-un is certainly no Aung San Suu Kyi,  but an interesting parallel take here on North Korea’s way forward with an emphasis on engagement and trade to balance the influence of China.  The view from the North Korean regime might match that of the Burmese generals that it is time to put eggs in more than one basket. 

New satellite images of a North Korean rocket site show evidence of increased preparation for a space launch that Washington sees as cover for a long-range missile test. The U.S.-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies said Sunday that satellite photos taken last Wednesday show a mobile radar trailer, not previously present at the new Tongchang-ri site, and rows of what appear to be empty fuel and oxidizer tanks.

The missile used in The Third World War is a fictional medium-range, three stage, solid-fuel Taepodong-2 — with technology shared with Pakistan and Iran.  

The Third World War — A Future History

Japan is to deploy surface-to-air missiles in central Tokyo in readiness for North Korea’s planned rocket launch. Seoul warns  it might shoot down the missile if it threatens South Korea. The US has suspended 240 tonnes of food aid to North Korea because of the April launch. But will Pakistani and Iranian scientists be at this launch as they have been before?  And if they are, what does it mean?

The Third World War — A Future History

The government will be able to monitor the calls, emails, texts and website visits of everyone in the UK under new legislation set to be announced soon. Internet firms will be required to give intelligence agency GCHQ access to communications on demand, in real time.

Firebrand heroine Kat Polinski in the world of surveillance