Comments on: It’s not democracy in Russia, but does it matter?

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Articles in defence of the re-emergence of dictatorship? What next, Crikey, Guy Rundle on why we must destroy the Kulaks?

Despicable. I expect better.

By: Jacob

Jacob — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

If you’re going to publish a point of view that’s this controversial, at least have the good sense to back it up with more than almost bald assertions. A glaring example is the way you ascribe prosperity in Russia to Putin rather than oil & gas.

By: Ben Aveling

Ben Aveling — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Correction to my previous comment: at current pumping rates, Russia has been estimated to have what is about 14 years of proven supply. (Production has been predicted to drop after 2010.)

By: george

george — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

A shocker… How can you ignore Putin’s heavy-handed ‘energy’ diplomacy and trampling on any semblance of rule by law? The Economist has a great blog entry on the mechanics of the election, not pretty… And some serious analysis on this issue.

By: Ben Aveling

Ben Aveling — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

If Russia had a free press and freedom to organise, Putin might be less popular.

Oil and gas are more than 1/2 of state treasury revenues and more than 1/3 of Russian exports. And at current pumping rates, Russia has less than 7 years of proven supply.

By: nic

nic — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

On this view, you’d think there would be no problem with John Howard retaining office after the last election, after all - he had almost 50% of the vote and he was doing a reasonable job of promoting peace, freedom, security and prosperity in Australia.

By: Dave Liberts

Dave Liberts — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

The Russian people have copped a bad deal from their leadership since….forever? Tsars, mad dictators, corrupted democrats. Putin may have been bad if you opposed him, but I think most Russians found him the best of a bad lot. At least he was pro Russia.

By: Lisa Crago

Lisa Crago — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Uhh ummmm….seem to be looking at democracy thru rose coloured glasses if you think its used to “remove bad governments without bloodshed.” Have you not read the news on recent african democratic elections??? Democracy is NOT a one size fits all.