When USSR was starting out in the early 20s, it was not a worldwide empire, but, using your own words, "a second rate two bit tyranny". Serious worldwide reach came later.
Dudes Russia just isnt the threat the USSR was and it will be very hard pressed to reach such a level again. That's just reality. I didn't downplay the seriousness of Russia but there is no comparison. Anyone have an idea how Russia is going to take over Eastern Europe again, much less the former Soviet states?