Following the tripartite division into economics, culture, and sociology, one could assume a modified position of Samuel Huntington and argue for the primacy of sociology as THE fundamental civilizational determinant [and indeed claim that sociology = civilization; the marxists would argue for the primacy of economics]. On this assumption, the sociology is the only thing that matters there, and not the geopolitics, territory, Siberia etc. Besides, the Chinese to whom Siberia might be eventually lost or sold, belong to the same [or rather sociologically kindred] civilization, what one Karl Marx used to call "asiatic despotism". This is the level at which one looks for changes - and at this level the things are unchangeable.
Are you saying that abolishment of serfdom in Russia and slavery in USA (about the same time) did not change things at fundamental level?
When FDR was elected FOUR times was it a sign of despotism? Putin is as popular as FDR for similar reasons.
I agree 100%