Are we so arrogant that we should feel legitimate to tell people what they should aspire to and what model they should adopt ? People tend to confuse economic growth, prosperity, well being and democracy as if none of that existed before, as if before our holy democracy people didn't prosper. Economic growth and technological progress are a function of political stability, which can come in many forms including (but not exclusive to) democracy. Western Countries have the largest number of depressed people and the highest suicide rates in the world. I'm sure it sucks to be living in NK right now, but if the regime opens up and retains their grip on the nation, well ... who cares if people are thriving. </rant>