Here is a STRATFOR essay about the newer resurgently powerful Russia. Pay close attention to the faux democracy paradigm to entice foreign investment combined with a strengthened central government with Russian nationalism in mind. Part of this faux democracy is the encouragement of multiple political parties to provide the image of a loyal opposition to the political party in power. The reality that these multiple political parties have disguised ties to Kremlin authoritarianism.
The offshoot is a Russia powerful and strong and able to be a force to make America and the NATO military forces take notice of a potentially aggressive Russia.
JRH 7/5/11
