[A. Pole]

Russia won't become a banana republic (it could become other things) -- it's too big and it's economy is too diversified.

Seriously, climate and geography is a factor. In Russia you cannot walk barefoot in winter, you cannot live in shack, you need a warm dress and a fuel. If you do not have car/transportation you need a hardy horse. To survive, Russians had to help, share with others, rely on others help and being able to get by with little. Living in the middle of huge Eurasian mass, they needed to be shrewd, patient and courageous to repel or subdue numerous invaders. Etc, etc ...

Russia is forced by nature to be strong, resourceful, cooperative and independent.

[Cronos]

Russia is forced by nature to be strong, resourceful, cooperative and independent.

Sorry, I seem to have lost the point here. Yes, it needs to be strong, etc. but don't all countries need to do so?