Chuck Holton
Politics • Culture • News
Chuck Holton is an American war correspondent, published author, and motivational speaker.
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North Korea, Russia, and the World Stage: What’s Really Happening?

Geopolitical tensions have a way of sneaking under our radar, but the game that’s being played between Russia and North Korea could have far-reaching consequences. Right now, these two countries are in cahoots, but it’s not all about simple alliances. Let’s break down the dynamics that are shaping the future and why this relationship could be a major game-changer.

North Korea’s Deal with Russia: The Hidden Agenda

What’s Russia’s strategy in all this? Well, let’s look at their recent collaboration with North Korea. While the mainstream media might focus on troop movements and flashy headlines, there’s something deeper at play here. Russia is giving Kim Jong-un the green light to stir the pot on the Korean Peninsula, especially as the world remains distracted by the chaos in Ukraine.
But here’s where it gets interesting. North Korea isn’t just looking for weapons or military support. What if they’re sending troops to Russia for a bigger reason? Let’s say, 10,000 soldiers on one condition: don’t send them back. The North Korean regime thrives on control, manipulation, and a constant narrative of fear and ignorance about the outside world. If those soldiers made it back to North Korea, they’d bring with them the truth about how the world works — and that could shake up the regime’s grip on power.

What Would Happen If North Korea Invaded South Korea?

We’ve all heard the stories about a North Korean invasion of the South. It’s a long-standing concern for global security. But let’s consider the reality of what would happen if those North Korean soldiers flooded into South Korea. What would they see?
The stark contrast would be mind-blowing. North Koreans are taught that the South is an apocalyptic wasteland, a living hell where nobody is free. They believe that everyone in South Korea is living in squalor, living under constant oppression, and struggling to survive. But when they crossed the border into the South, they would be shocked. South Korea is thriving — modern, clean, safe, and, dare I say, absolutely beautiful. It’s a country that has flourished and is completely unrecognizable to those who’ve been told lies for generations.
For a regime that survives on misinformation, an invasion could be catastrophic for North Korea’s narrative. Soldiers who encounter South Korea's progress might choose not to return.
They could lay down their arms and embrace a new way of life — and that’s a dangerous thought for Kim Jong-un.

Why North Korea Won’t Likely Invade the South... Yet

Don’t get too worked up about the prospect of a full-scale North Korean invasion of South Korea. While tensions have escalated, it’s not as likely as you might think — and here's why.
For one, there are 20,000 to 30,000 American troops stationed just south of the border. That’s a deterrent that North Korea can’t ignore. But more importantly, the regime is well aware that invading the South could lead to the collapse of their own state. Imagine if Kim Jong-un decided to send 100,000 of his young men into South Korea. They might come back as South Koreans, never to return to the North. The regime would lose not just its military strength but its entire base of power. North Korea thrives on ignorance. Without that, they have nothing.
So while Russia is trying to encourage this conflict, it’s not as easy as it seems. For now, North Korea remains tethered to its own internal propaganda, and any move against South Korea could mean the end of everything the regime holds dear.

Russia’s Bigger Agenda: Creating Chaos Around the World

Let’s zoom out a bit. Russia’s meddling goes beyond North Korea. Ever since the war in Ukraine began, Russia has been stirring up trouble across the globe. From Israel to Armenia, from Venezuela to Guyana, Russia is pulling strings, trying to destabilize regions that could pose a threat to its interests.
And here’s the kicker — Russia’s ultimate goal isn’t just to be a bully on the world stage. It’s about creating distractions. Look at the bigger picture: the Middle East is volatile, China is eyeing Taiwan, and tensions in Europe are sky-high. Russia is fueling this chaos so that the world’s attention is split, making it easier for them to maneuver. If the US, NATO, and the rest of the West are too busy dealing with crises elsewhere, Russia can move freely.
But not all of these moves will play out the way Russia hopes. As these global games unfold, one thing is clear: the world is getting more unpredictable by the day, and understanding the connections between Russia, North Korea, and the rest of the world could be the key to staying ahead of the game.

What’s Next for North Korea, Russia, and the World?

As we look ahead, it’s clear that the situation in North Korea and Russia is far from simple. The two countries may seem like unlikely partners, but their shared interests make for a potent, albeit dangerous, alliance.
But what can we expect next? Will Kim Jong-un be emboldened by Russia’s backing? Could North Korea attempt to cross the line and invade South Korea? And what role will China play in all of this, especially with its eyes set on Taiwan?
One thing’s for sure: global geopolitics is more interconnected than ever, and it’s a game that we all have to watch closely. Keep your eyes on these developments because the ripples they cause could have far-reaching effects, not just in Asia, but around the world.

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Bringing dignity to imprisoned women

I’m in Cartagena and yesterday we went to the women’s prison here to bring some much-needed necessities to the ladies and give them the gospel of the good news of Jesus Christ. It was a powerful time. I’m very glad I got a chance to do this. Thank you to all of you who donated to help these women. They are truly “the least of these “.

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Episode 622 - Field Producer Dennis Azato and Chuck Reminisce

My erstwhile field producer and cameraman Dennis Azato has accompanied me on ten years of adventures across the globe. Today he joins me in Ukraine and we spend some time remembering our many trips together.

Episode 622 - Field Producer Dennis Azato and Chuck Reminisce
Calling Young Men to Lead: Join The Forge This Summer

We’re launching our very first Forge Field Leadership Camp this summer!

The Forge is a one-week, field-based camp for young men (ages 13–17), built on a biblical foundation. It’s designed to train real-world skills—navigation, survival, building, leadership—while shaping character, discipline, and faith.

This is more than a summer camp. It’s a call to rise.

Led by veterans and experienced mentors, these young men will be challenged to grow stronger in every way—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Dates: August 2–9
Ages: 13–17
Apply now: https://www.frontierforge.org/

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A New Milestone!
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Car Explosion Outside U.S. Embassy in Yerevan Sparks Fire, Investigation Underway

YEREVAN, Armenia — February 19, 2026
A vehicle exploded outside the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia, this evening, prompting a significant fire and emergency response from local authorities, according to multiple eyewitness reports and local media.

Around 6:00 p.m. local time, a car reportedly exploded on Isakov Avenue, directly in front of the U.S. Embassy compound in Armenia’s capital. The blast was powerful enough to ignite a large fire that was visible from surrounding blocks and drew firefighters and police to the scene.
Video posted on social media shows flames and smoke rising from the area of the explosion, and emergency services were at the location within minutes.

At this time, no official statement has been released by the U.S. Embassy or Armenian government regarding the cause of the explosion, possible casualties, or whether the incident was deliberate. Authorities are currently investigating.
Embassies typically have robust security perimeters, and there is no confirmed...

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Live Call TOMORROW
Our live call is this Saturday, February 21st at 12:00 PM Eastern.

Local’s members,

Our live call is this Saturday, February 21st at 12:00 PM Eastern.

Chuck just returned from Colombia and Syria and will be taking your questions—covering everything from ministry work on the ground in Colombia to the evolving geopolitical situation overseas. This is your chance to go deeper and hear directly from him.

He’ll also be sharing more about the upcoming Frontier Forge Institute summer camp, including its mission to train young men (ages 13–17) in Christian leadership, discipline, and responsibility. 

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Mercy on the Ground, War on the Horizon

The conflict between the United States and Iran is doing that strange dance right now. On one hand, you’ve got “negotiations” in Geneva. On the other hand… you’ve got aircraft carriers moving.

Axios reported this morning that we may be closer to striking Iran than most people realize. Not months. Not “someday.” Possibly days. And if you watch the hardware, it tells a clearer story than the press releases.

In just the last 48 hours, reports indicate the U.S. has surged:

  • 48 F-16s

  • 12 F-22s

  • 18 F-35s

  • 6 E-3G Sentry AWACS aircraft

  • Roughly 40 aerial refueling tankers

Meanwhile, the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group has passed the Rock of Gibraltar and entered the Mediterranean.

And here’s what most people don’t understand:

That carrier does not have to sail into the Strait of Hormuz to be useful.

From the eastern Mediterranean—especially with tanker support—U.S. aircraft can strike targets inside Iran. Which means this could kick off before the Ford ever gets to the Gulf.

These “Talks” Aren’t Really Talks

The negotiations happening in Geneva aren’t face-to-face. There’s no American official sitting across a table from the Ayatollah. It’s shuttle diplomacy.

Omani intermediaries walk between rooms—one room with American envoys, another with Iranian representatives—carrying messages back and forth.

The U.S. says:
“You must give up highly enriched uranium and abandon your nuclear ambitions.”

Iran says:
“We’re willing to talk.”

And then quietly:
“Just not about that.”

That’s not negotiation.

And while the delay continues, the Ayatollah is publicly threatening to sink American carriers, calling them “big targets.”

Can Iran Sink a Carrier?

Let’s be serious for a moment. Yes, Iran has hypersonic missiles. Yes, they have thousands of short-range missiles designed to threaten neighbors like Saudi Arabia. Yes, they have speedboats with guns and some small submarines.

But here’s the problem for them:

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Iran’s Threat Videos, America’s Buildup, and the Question Nobody Wants to Answer

Right now, the nuclear talks in Geneva are stalling with Iran. Meanwhile, the United States is building combat power in the region at a level we haven’t seen since the Iraq invasion—two aircraft carriers, dozens of warships, hundreds of combat aircraft, and tens of thousands of troops either in theater or moving that direction.

 

The U.S. buildup is not subtle—and Iran knows it

From what I’m tracking, the U.S. is moving into the region with:

  • Two carrier strike groups (one already in theater and another inbound)

  • 300–400 combat jets in the region when you count land-based aircraft

  • Patriot and THAAD batteries shifting into place

  • Aegis destroyers tuned for ballistic missile defense

  • A steady stream of support aircraft—tankers, ISR platforms, and the stuff you don’t talk about on a public livestream

And here’s the point: the United States isn’t putting all that out there to “negotiate harder.” That’s the kind of posture you take when you want your opponent to understand the consequences before you act.

Iran’s information war just leveled up (and yes, the video was impressive)

Iran has been pumping out threat videos for weeks—straight of Hormuz posturing, military drills, the whole production.

But they dropped one recently that honestly looks like a Super Bowl ad for ballistic missiles.

And I’ll say this plainly: it was well-made. Whoever is building their media operation understands modern influence warfare. The goal isn’t just to scare Israel—it’s to scare Americans, spook markets, pressure allies, and make decision-makers hesitate.

The missile they’re showcasing is the Khoramshahr-4 (they’re pitching it as unstoppable, “uninterceptable,” and essentially a war-ending weapon).

So let’s talk about what it can do—and what it can’t.

Khoramshahr-4: a serious threat, but not a war-winner

From the way this missile is being described, it’s a liquid-fueled, medium-range system with roughly 2,000 km range—meaning Israel is in reach, U.S. bases in the region are in reach, and potentially some assets farther out are threatened depending on basing and launch options.

The real concern isn’t just speed. The concern is maneuverability on re-entry—a re-entry vehicle that can adjust course makes interception harder.

But here’s the part that matters strategically:

  • A weapon can be terrifying and still not be decisive.

  • A missile can get through sometimes and still not win the war.

Even if Iran had a significant number of these—and even if a percentage penetrated defenses—that’s not enough to defeat the combined combat power the U.S. and Israel can bring to bear.

Iran can cause damage. Iran can kill people. Iran can make the cost real.

But Iran cannot win a conventional war against the U.S. and Israel.

That’s why they’re leaning so heavily into the psychological side: if you can’t win the fight, you try to prevent the fight.

The Strait of Hormuz threat has a problem: China

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