The Russian economy (catch all)

[JMA]

Dictators don't generally struggle to get reelected, because they control the electoral system: that's what makes them dictators. They do worry about the populace rising against them, but that's a different problem.

You seem a bit confused... again.

Your final sentence counters the premise in your first sentence as applied to Russia.

Arguing for the sake of arguing is pretty ridiculous don't you think?

[Dayuhan]

Your final sentence counters the premise in your first sentence as applied to Russia.

Not at all. A leader that has to struggle to get reelected generally doesn't have to worry about the populace taking to the streets: why would the populace bother going to the streets if they can just vote the bastard out?

Struggling to get reelected is the problem of elected leaders. The prospect of the populace in the streets is the problem of dictators. Dictators, by definition, don't struggle to get reelected. They dictate the results of the election, if they bother to have an election at all.

I simply asked Outlaw to clarify what appears to be an inconsistency.

[JMA]

Nah...

You getting yourself in a tangle here.

As long as there is the near certainty of the populace taking to the streets which could get ugly Putin needs to be careful just how much he can 'fiddle' the election.

You tried to be smart in a reply to Outlook, you got it wrong.

Not at all. A leader that has to struggle to get reelected generally doesn't have to worry about the populace taking to the streets: why would the populace bother going to the streets if they can just vote the bastard out?

Struggling to get reelected is the problem of elected leaders. The prospect of the populace in the streets is the problem of dictators. Dictators, by definition, don't struggle to get reelected. They dictate the results of the election, if they bother to have an election at all.

I simply asked Outlaw to clarify what appears to be an inconsistency.