North Korea and Myanmar

<p> North Korea and Myanmar (Burma) are Asia's most mysterious tragic stories. For decades they were infamous as the region's most militarized and repressed societies self-isolated and under sanctions by the international community while from Singapore to Japan the rest of Asia saw historic wealth creation and growing middle class security.</p><p> For Burma the threat was internal: insurgent factions clashed with the government and each other. For North Korea it was external: a hostile superpower--the United States--and a far more successful rival state--South Korea--occupying half of the Korean peninsula.</p><p> Over time Myanmar defeated its enemies giving it space to explore a form of democratization and openness that has led to reintegration into international society. Meanwhile North Korea's regime believes its nuclear arsenal--the primary reason for their pariah status--is vital to survival.</p>