General Discussion

it was very different in many respects. Very different political structures and institutions and rules for how things operated. Still informed by the same underlying russian chauvinism and imperialism, as well as the same impulses to authoritarianism and slavish obedience on the part of the serfs.

I don't agree that Putin operates simply as another Soviet general secretary. With the exception of Stalin, who originated the position, they all operated under constraints that Putin is not subject to. They were always surrounded by powerful individuals within the Politburo and Central Committee who could take them out if they overstepped the boundaries (Khrushchev) and always maintained some level of restraint over them.

Putin operates more a czar, but in a country that essentially has no institutions or structures or other powerful individuals who can in any way restrain him. The church is nothing more than a front for the old KGB, and Putin's "piety" has most likely been adopted because it's a useful tool for controlling his society.

And now all that unchecked power is behind the US president and his administration. God help us!