Using North Korea, Burma (Myanmar) and China as case studies, this book explains how the authoritarian public sphere shapes political discourse in each context and examines three domains of potential subversion of ruling ideologies: the shadow markets of North Korea, networks of independent journalists in Burma/Myanmar, and the online sphere in China. Drawing on empirical interview data, as well as close examination of state-produced media, speeches, and legislation, this book will be of huge interest to students and scholars of Asian politics, comparative politics and authoritarian regimes.