China WILL defend NK just as they did in the 1950’s. China has no desire to see US influence anywhere near what they consider “their territories” and sphere of influence.
At which point the US WILL get involved and we are off the race to Armageddon. []https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pklr0UD9eSo
So back to the rule of kings and Strongman Despots.
Because that’s what a social collapse will get you every time. There will be no “worker’s paradise”.