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Well, by maintaining a 7-10% increase in GDP since the early 80's, it certainly makes Russia look like it was operating a lemonade stand, and remember the arms race and worry Russia caused us. Now put China and it's current economic growth in Russia's shoes, and you have a worrisome situation.

I do agree with you though, that their current political system will eventually put the brakes on their growth and will enrage it's citizens who are now realizing the advantages of capitalism and the benefits of democracy. It will be really interesting at that point.

I think the primary tensions won't be with its disappointed princelings and PLA officers running the industrial show, it will be the portion of the economy kept purely as old-fashioned communist state-enterprise flunkies. The very proof of who we are really dealing with in Bejing.

That hinterland populace wants the higher wages, they want to be on oceanfront properties, and a chance to get the big shot apartments. But they know they can't because they are not politically connected in the Party.

It is this basic social failure of the "communist consitutional compact" that needs to be exploited as a wedge issue by dissidents backed up by U.S. condemnations of their croney communism. Their abuse and disregard of their populace. Their oppressions. These need to be confronted...not ignored...and waved away.