The Russian economy (catch all)

[OUTLAW 09]

Yes, we all know this; it's become pretty much conventional wisdom. The question is how you reconcile the assumption of quasi dictatorship with your observation that "Putin is struggling to get reelected". 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. If Putin is indeed, as you say, "struggling to get reelected", it brings the whole assumption of quasi dictatorship into question.

And again Dayuhan you simply do not understand the beast you are commenting on---and you failed to mention my attempts to show you how "legality" plays a big role in Russian elections.

You really do have to spend some time in the former Soviet Union and then you will understand. Russia is offering some really good cheap Crimea beach vacations--- but wait the cheap Aeroflot daughter airlines cannot fly there anymore as they were grounded by the sanctions so that is out as a suggested place to visit.