Again, I would like to point out that this discussion and problem involves NOT two but THREE countries.
One is the United States of America (mine)
Two is Russia, a giant country that struggles as it occupies space on more than one continent, rich in natural resources and space.
The THIRD, in these discussions, actually WENT OUT OF BUSINESS a number of years ago....The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The Second and Third, has the same address, Zip Code, language, culture, but a widely different government.
All too many on BOTH sides are still talking of the PAST, despite the fact that so much has changed.
Has Russia stopped funding the CPUSA?
“The THIRD, in these discussions, actually WENT OUT OF BUSINESS a number of years ago....The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The Second and Third, has the same address, Zip Code, language, culture, but a widely different government.”
Well, in my view, yes and no.
I see Soviet Union/Russia much like China - the more things appear to change, the more they are really the same.
Both nations have consistently and continually been authortarian, dictatorial, reflecting extremes of inferiority and bellicose attitudes of superiorty, with political cultures not vastly changed from old imperial days to today, other than the modern political names given to institutions, which have largely been the same old institutions under new management - and that particularly in “foreign and domestic intelligence and foreign relations”.
I think the deep rooted cultures of both nations has the populace continually satisfied (if not at least acquiescent in) authoritarian dictators. Add to that political & military history that goes back just as deep with both nations having huge borders with a history of those borders being over run in the past.