The divergence in results between Soviet perestroika and the Chinese reforms is staggering. One state no longer exists, while the other continues to flourish. North Korea’s reforms more closely resemble Gorbachev’s rash and rapid perestroika than the incremental and reserved approach of Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping. Though such a comparison is not encouraging for the future of North Korea’s current government, at least Pyongyang has taken the chance of loosening its grip on power in order to try to rejuvenate its crumbling economy. However, North Korea runs the risk of overturning whatever gains it may make from these economic changes. If its odd and mysterious diplomatic initiatives backfire, the state could be deprived of the international backing it so desperately seeks.