Without the resources from the outside they would probably crackdown on dissent until the population hit tipping point. Outside influence helps people hit the tipping point earlier and turns the balance a little bit more in their favour. Rebel groups are fighting against legit armies they need equipment to even stand a chance.

North Korea has China and russia and there is a ton of tension and close calls. War has popped off before and the US helped and things went well, Korea is doing alright.

Iran has russia and China, there really are very few counties without any support.