Earlier this week, Kim Jong Un addressed a plenary meeting of the Korean Workers’ Party Central Committee. His speech, serving as a substitute for a traditional New Year’s address, was arguably the most important one the North Korean leader has delivered in years. 

Several announcements in the speech grabbed headlines: Kim said North Korea plans to launch three more spy satellites, and he called for the military to prepare for a potential war.

But neither of these widely reported statements was particularly significant. North Korea has repeatedly stated that it intends to launch the spy satellites it deems necessary. Discussions