[caww]

.....”The fact that everyday life in Russia is still stable prevents common people from understanding how fragile the political situation is”.....

Rather like is being done here and in other countries. Keeping the propaganda moving right along, coupled with phony statistics for the better informed, keeps the people blind to what might otherwise be mass revolt.....

Even when the people start being affected....it takes a long time for them to rise up as they believe their Government has the answers....just as here.

[elhombrelibre]

Here is a link to a Bloomberg story that helps explain how thoroughly Putin has corrupted the system and how for now that's his tool for remaining president for life.

http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-01-19/the-spanish-palace-that-is-not-quite-vladimir-putin-s

[Thurifer the Censer]

If Putin really wanted to cement his legacy as something positive for Russia he would follow in the footsteps of Franco and restore the Monarchy.

[heshtesh]

Looks like the Russian people are in for another ride thru the septic system again.

[No One Special]

Are you sure this is on the level? Sounds like a joke at the end:

Gozman said that most of the last year's predictions failed to materialize, and that the prize — a bottle of booze — would therefore not be awarded to any of the panelists. However, next year's winner will get two bottles to distract from the dismal realities he or she correctly predicted this year — that is, if the Presidential Academy allows the same experts to hold such a panel again, he added.

[trebb]

Putin is already starting to flail about - could be a sign of some nasty stuff to come. In the end, he loses, but how many more also suffer is an open bet.

[1010RD]

Pick any point in Russian history and you’ll find a descent into madness. It’s par for the course. If radical Islam gets the bomb it will be via their take over of Russia.

[bert]

Hmmmm..... the article presumes the Russian people have the gumption and where withal to revolt

I doubt it

More likely, they will resolve the issues by drinking more vodka

[McGruff]

Based upon the current State of the Union

Analysts Predict a Russian US Descent Into Madness