I was under the impression that Barack Obama’s new era of foreign policy would change the policies of rogue states and oppresive dictators across the globe. I mean, considering members of the mainstream media were expecting even terrorists to change because of The One, why can’t dictators get an attitude check?

North Korea said today that it was ready for war with the South, hours before Hillary Clinton’s arrival in Seoul on the latest leg of her maiden tour as US secretary of state.

Pyongyang has ratcheted up its rhetoric in recent weeks and is thought to be preparing for a missile launch, in what many see as an attempt to grab the attention of the new US administration and put pressure on South Korea. It has hinted that it seeks a rapprochement with the US while repeatedly threatening its neighbour.

“[The South Korean president's] group of traitors should never forget that the [North] Korean People’s Army is fully ready for an all-out confrontation,” the North’s KCNA news agency said, quoting an unnamed military official.

It added that the country could be forced to counter-strike against joint US-South Korean military drills announced yesterday, which Seoul and Washington say are defensive.

“If bellicose US forces and South Korean puppets dare wage aggression against us wrapped up in foolish delusion, we will explode our might … and ruthlessly destroy the invasionary forces,” KCNA said.

What happened in recent weeks that could’ve possibly sparked an increase in hawkish rhetoric and threats of all-out war? Hmmm. Didn’t Vice President Joe Biden warn of this type of response from the international community back during the campaign? Something about an inexperienced and young president being tested or something? Huh.