Talk of military conflict on the Korean peninsula has been rising sharply in recent weeks, with several observers warning that the risk of war is currently at its highest ever point since the Korean War.

But unlike in the past, when Pyongyang’s actions have been the primary driver of fears, much of the increased anxiety seems to now be driven by the actions and warnings of the United States.

From an official perspective, U.S. President Trump threatened to “totally destroy” North Korea in September, leading to an unprecedented and personalized response from Kim Jong Un.

Last Thursday, U.S.