Glasnost definitely... Had the USSR done communism like China does it, it may have worked out much better for them. China seems to thrive (as a government) pretty well... They have the single largest capitalist economy in their communist country (Hong Kong).
It's an interesting thing don't you think?
It is. Although I have maintained for years that communism will eventually fall in China. It's only a matter of time.
And even though China's economy is huge, I'm not sure they compare favorably to the U.S. in terms of products, services, wages, quality of life, etc. Also, I'd say they are functioning, but not necessarily thriving. You couldn't pay me enough to live there. I wouldn't want the government dictating my religion, forcing my wife to have an abortion, controlling my business, etc.