The article discusses North Korean President Kim Jong-un's use of an escalation of tensions to demonstrate his leadership skills and show his people he is a capable leader. It points out that Kim Jong-un has opted for nuclear test detonations and ballistic missile launches to secure his seat as head of the state without committing to war. It cites the ineffectiveness of the 6-Party Talks involving China, the U.S. and South Korea to resolve the issue of North Korea's nuclear development