In recent months, the rulers of China and Iran, two countries that for decades have served as an embodiment of authoritarian rule, have found themselves facing problems at home. The subjects of both regimes had had enough and flooded the streets in shows of defiance. 

Even if the regimes prevail this time, the challenge from below is strong, and will likely continue to simmer.

Many may wonder if it’s just a matter of time before crowds of protesters flood the streets of Pyongyang demanding change, too. Well, do not hold your breath; this is not something we should seriously count