North Korea

Special Episode: Engineering the Apocalypse by Rob Reid and Sam Harris

Sam Harris

Mentioned as an example of a rogue state that might not respect a worldwide ban on synthetic biology, potentially leading to a 'sin biomonopoly'.

Bill Burr Interview | The Tim Ferriss Show (Podcast)

Tim Ferriss

Mentioned in the context of geopolitical threats, specifically regarding missile threats towards Los Angeles, and Kim Jong Un's leadership.

Sam Altman on Trust, Persuasion, and the Future of Intelligence - Live at the Progress Conference

Conversations with Tyler

Mentioned as an example of a source of cyber attacks that are difficult to prevent, highlighting challenges with rogue nation-sponsored internet resources.

Explaining Strategic Competence with H.R. McMaster (Lessons from the Hoover Policy Boot Camp) | Ch 3

PolicyEd

Chamath Palihapitiya: Freedom, Bitcoin, and First Principles | The Knowledge Project #94

The Knowledge Project Podcast

Mentioned as a state actor that generally garners no support from either side of the political aisle.

Unlocking Your Creativity and Persuasion: A Master Ad Man on Tricks of the Trade

Tim Ferriss

The country Dennis Rodman 'traveled' to in the Foot Locker ad, referencing his controversial real-life trips.

Superconductor Breakthrough -- What's Up With That?

Sabine Hossenfelder

The country with the lowest academic freedom score in the latest Academic Freedom Index report.

How Democracies Fail: A Conversation with Anne Applebaum (Episode #376)

Sam Harris

A country identified as part of the modern autocratic network.

TOXIC THINKING: How Our Primitive Brain Is FLAWED & Leads To Dangerous Woke Ideology | Tim Urban

Tom Bilyeu

Used as a contemporary example of a totalitarian regime that controls speech and information to dictate belief and behavior among its populace.

This House Would Keep Politics Out of Sport Full Debate

OxfordUnion

Marched with South Korea at the 2018 Olympics, leading to renewed diplomatic negotiations.

Is the Iran War Already Failing?

Sam Harris

Cited as an example of an autocratic regime with 'nuts' leaders, but not suicidal in the way jihadists are, thus allowing for deterrence.

Elon Musk | All-In Summit 2024

All-In Podcast

Presented as an extreme example of a 100% government-controlled economy leading to starvation, contrasted with South Korea's significantly higher standard of living.

Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology | Lex Fridman Podcast #361

Lex Fridman

Mentioned as an example of an authoritarian regime where citizens are manipulated to love their leader through fear and propaganda.

Six Months of War: A Conversation with Douglas Murray and Josh Szeps (Episode #362)

Sam Harris

Country mentioned alongside Iran and Sudan as a violator of human rights, in contrast to UN's focus on Israel.

In conversation with Vivek Ramaswamy

All-In Podcast

Vivek Ramaswamy credited Trump for not entering a major war, noting the US was on the brink of conflict with North Korea during his presidency.

The Wildest War Strategy Yet: “Use Iran’s Oil Against Iran” (Bessent Explains)

Tom Bilyeu

A nuclear-armed state that other countries leave alone due to its possession of a bomb, highlighting the strategic incentive for Iran to develop nuclear weapons.

Game Theory #15: The Return of History

Predictive History

Mentioned as benefiting from Pax Americana through participation in the global economy.

Andy Weir on the Economics of Sci-Fi and Space | Conversations with Tyler

Conversations with Tyler

A country mentioned as a place Weir would not be interested in visiting, even with unrestricted travel, though he might visit such places out of curiosity.