[SampleMan]

So you reject the notion that Elizabeth I or Bismark took actions in their nations interest, because they weren’t democratically elected?

What do you make of Putins popularity among Russians?

[elhombrelibre]

Yes, you're correct. I do reject the notion that one man or woman can determine their nation's interest. Maybe I'm a crank, but that's how I see it. Using the opposite thinking, you'd have to also believe that Saddam and Castro were representing the interest of their nation during their reign of tyranny.

As for Putin’s putative popularity, I think that’s difficult to verify. Russia today is not a free and democratic country. Free assembly is denied, as is a free press. The press not only cannot criticize Putin they must praise him, similar to North Korea. It’s more an allegation than a proven fact that Putin is popular. And, even if true that he is popular, it’s nothing more than a passing phenomenon much like Hitler’s popularity when he achieved his initial successes at low costs.