What is the goal of North Korea threatening attacks on other nations?

In the past it’s been to get lots of goodies from other countries to get them to settle down. I am kind of doubting it’s going to work forever. Sooner or later, China or Russia are going to get really pissed off and lower the boom.

I have read one line of analysis that postulates all of this saber-rattling is mostly to keep Kim Jung Un’s military leaders in check and to establish his authority within North Korea itself. His worry is that if they don’t fear him or think he might be weak/vulnerable they may try to usurp his reign Brutus-style.

They aren’t really threatening us seriously. This is all about consolidating power inside N Korea and political power struggles in that country.

We have to take them seriously, of course, but in reality, Little Kim knows that he would be blown off the face of the earth if he tried anything stupid.

I think it is to fool the citizens in to keep believing that he is a god and that NK is the best country in the world, and all the other insane claims that he makes.

show of perceived Power.

I’m sure North Korea’s reaction has nothing to do with the massive military drills being conducted by the US and South Korea in disputed sea territory.

In animal kingdom..even a small animal will “puff” itself up to look bigger.

Everytime they have done this in the past, they received a huge cash aid package to settle down and be good boys again. I assume that is what they want this time. Unfortunately the baby boy lacks the experience and finesse of the old man plus he has some nasty toys to play with, so it is worrisome if he will know when to pull his head back in and stop before he gets hurt.

I agree with rooeytoo. They are like The Grand Dutchy of Fenwick in “The Mouse That Roared”.