Most Russians think that despite all their country’s problems - life is far better for them than in the Soviet time.
And centuries of Russian history reveal Russians need, want and fear strong leaders. They back Putin because he is what a Russian leader should be.
Russians don’t elevate metrosexuals to office. They put in tough men to run their vast country, who without their iron hand on it, would fall apart.
Just as with the Arab world, it’s a fools errand to think we can change a leopard’s, or in this case a Bear’s, spots.
Russians will never go for a US-style government. It’s not in their DNA.
I’m a strong believer in that an economy and a ways certain societies generally engage in to make for a living are the most important in their choice of form of government as well as overall attitude towards freedoms.
It is not in DNA or something.