I’m not sure that NK is really a good example to follow. Yes, it’s certainly possible to become sanction proof like NK, but NK is basically subsisting and even that is being charitable. If your plan is to rekindle the golden age of your nation, then becoming an international pariah and have half the population starving is probably not the way to go.

What happened to (and with) Russia is a tragedy. Really, a nation and people with so much potential. Hardworking and capable of great sacrifice. They hold vast territories with unparalleled abundance of resources. Imagine how much of a force of good they could be. Actually, forget that. They didn’t even need to be good, just create an environment where everyone can strive instead of the few. Imagine how powerful they could be if only they didn’t turn into a petty kleptocracy.