Thank you for another insightful and interesting post.

I just got back from 2 weeks in Russia in May, and the demographics may be changing. All 3 of our translators have had babies in the last 2 years. The dropping birth rate may be turning around.

It was clear from talking to many Russians (scientists and others) that they would rather see Russia respected abroad and have economic security at home than the illusory benefits of democracy and the rule of law. They lived through the 90′s when times were bad and they don’t want to repeat it.

We are in for a rough ride.