In the 21st century, diplomacy is no longer confined to secure backchannels and state dinners. It has evolved, with global leaders increasingly using social media to broadcast messages, signal intentions, and even express discontent. A recent, and particularly bizarre, example has captivated political analysts and social media users alike: the reported unfollowing of Russian President Vladimir Putin by North Korea’s Supreme Leader, Kim Jong Un, on Instagram. This digital snub, coming on the heels of the much-anticipated Trump-Putin Alaska summit, has sparked a whirlwind of speculation, with some jokingly suggesting it could be the first sign of a major geopolitical reshuffle.
The sheer absurdity of the situation belies a fascinating look into the modern state of international relations. An "unfollow" is a seemingly trivial act, often associated with personal spats and fleeting drama. Yet, when a leader of a reclusive state like North Korea makes such a public move toward a key ally, it becomes an act of immense symbolic weight. For geopolitical observers, this is not just an online interaction; it is a signal. Is it a show of displeasure over the outcome of the summit? Does it signify a shift in North Korea's strategic alignment? Or, as some analysts have playfully suggested, is it the beginning of a new Cold War, fought not with ICBMs but with digital-age gestures?
While the world attempts to decipher this cryptic move, the reaction from the White House provides its own compelling narrative. Sources close to the administration suggest that President Donald Trump is "thrilled by the engagement." This reported response is perhaps the most revealing detail of all. It underscores a fundamental shift in how modern leaders view power and influence. For Trump, who has long treated social media metrics as a form of currency, the fact that the summit has generated such a high-profile, public reaction is, in itself, a victory. The drama, the discussion, and the viral nature of the unfollow are, from this perspective, a testament to the event's significance. It is a world where a diplomatic triumph can be measured not just by signed treaties but by a leader’s ability to dominate the global conversation, even through a third-party social media action.
