[apillar]

Just something about the Russian psyche, they seem to love authoritarian rule. Heck, after 500 years of it maybe it's just what they're most comfortable with, from the Tsars to the Soviets to Putin. It probably didn't help matters that their one brief experiment with true democracy (the Boris Yeltsin years) was an utter economic disaster and considered the worst period in modern history.

[C19fan]

There is a lot to admire about Russia, politics is not one of them.

[Oratam]

Just something about the Russian psyche, they seem to love authoritarian rule...their one brief experiment with true democracy (the Boris Yeltsin years) was an utter economic disaster and considered the worst period in modern history.

"Our land is great and rich, but there‘s no order in it. Come rule and reign over us."

--The Russian Primary Chronicle (Early 12th Century)

[Rockingham]

Russia's defining circumstances are that it is a geographically large, climatically difficult country with abundant natural resources but limited transportation and isolated urban centers. And Russia's formative historical experience was of intermittent invasions and often harsh rule by Mongols and other hostile neighbors. Russians thus have a deep preference for strong man rule to hold the country together and defend it, which makes them a poor prospect for democracy in even the best of times.

Since Putin and his cronies have stolen their country blind and isolated it economically and politically, they cannot relinquish power or permit genuine reforms or democratic freedoms. As with the Brezhnev era under the Soviets, Russia will continue to stagnate. Soon after Putin finally passes, there will be a transition. Perhaps Russians will then make another try at democracy.