Russian’s want a Strongman

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Russian’s want a Strongman

Russians want a strongman and the reason is the strongman keeps the other Russian thugs in line, to keep the other Russians from robbing them one way or other. They don't trust each other nor do they believe in "democracy" since everyone is lying all the time about everything. Sinec "democracy" is just another lie they don't particularly want it, especially since then the other Russians might not have some strongman on top to keep them in line. Add vodka and alcoholism for further variants on the kleptocratic mafia state's many dysfunctions. Putting it more diplomatically…

In Russian society, a paradoxical phenomenon has long puzzled observers: the enduring appeal of the strongman. Despite Russia's tumultuous history and the evident drawbacks of authoritarian rule, most Russians want a powerful leader to impose order and stability. But what drives this desire for a strongman, and what does it reveal about the underlying dynamics of Russian society?

Experts like Timothy Frye argue that the answer lies in Russia's weak institutions and the resultant power vacuum. In a system where everything depends on the whims of a single individual, those who have wealth and influence are also thereby directly tied to the leader's effectiveness. This creates a peculiar bind for the strongman: pleasing inner-circle cronies with state resources leaves less for the public, stifling economic performance and undermining the regime's grip on society. Welcome to kleptocracy, sucker!

The strongman there is a necessary evil, keeping the various factions and interest groups in check. Russians, wary of being robbed or exploited by their fellow citizens, seek a powerful leader to maintain order and protect their interests. Russians want a strongman to keep the other Russian thugs in line, to keep the other Russians from robbing them one way or another. This sentiment is echoed by Frye, who argues that the strongman's role is to arbitrate conflicts among elites and maintain a fragile balance of power.

But there's more to this phenomenon than just a desire for stability. Russians have grown disillusioned with the concept of democracy, which they often view as a euphemism for chaos and corruption. In a society where lying and deception are rampant, the idea of democratic institutions and the rule of law seems like just another myth, in other words a lie. As a result, many Russians are skeptical of democracy and prefer the familiar, if flawed, system of authoritarian rule.

The role of vodka and alcoholism in Russian society also plays a significant part in this narrative. Russia's struggles with addiction and substance abuse have contributed to a culture of dysfunction, where the strongman is seen as a necessary corrective to the chaos and disorder that pervades everyday life. In this sense, the strongman represents a form of paternalistic authority, imposing order on a society that seems incapable of governing itself.

Kathryn Stoner's work offers further insights into the Russian mindset, highlighting Russia's development of new forms of power to influence global affairs. According to her, Russia's aggressive international behavior is not solely the result of its growing power, but rather a combination of this power with a Putinist purpose that prioritizes regime survival. This perspective dovetails with Frye's idea that Putin must balance the competing demands of his inner circle with the need to maintain a façade of legitimacy at home and abroad.

In conclusion, the Russian fascination with the strongman is a complex phenomenon, driven by a mix of historical, cultural, and economic factors. By understanding the underlying dynamics of Russian society, including its weak institutions, distrust of democracy, and struggles with addiction, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the allure of authoritarianism in this context. As Frye and Stoner's works demonstrate, Russia is not an enigma, but rather a society with its own unique logic and motivations. By recognizing this, we can develop more effective policies to manage Russia's disruptive actions and find common ground where interests align. Ultimately, the strongman may be a necessary evil in Russian society, but it is also a symptom of deeper dysfunctions that must be addressed if Russia is to move towards a more stable and prosperous future. Spoiler: that’s never gonna happen. 义

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