Modern Russia
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                                          China has always argued that they will be more cautious before fully opening their market as they do not want to meet the Economic fate of Russia.  It may be convenient argument of China for not fully opening their market. However the Russia is not in bad shape as made out except that the few provinces from Russian federation got separated.  They separated as they were compelled or forcibly kept in the federation since long time.
                                          Russian economy is picking up and it appears that the leadership of Vladimir Putin  is again heading towards democratic authoritarian Rule. Besides that Russia must have fall in terms of economical criteria but militarily it is still strong. The  militarily Russia is more stronger than china and some way stronger than USA.  It has largest Atomic weapons. They  have scores of Multi Rocket Super Bombs.  Russia has very large stock of H-Bombs which can do considerable damage to west. Therefore Russia cannot be under estimated.
                                          Besides that Russia is doing well  under the strong leadership of Putin. It appears that Chanchia problem is now very much under control. Putin has advantage of handling the situation as he has risen from the very important intelligence agency KGB.
                                          Putin is a very expensive leader with  reference to his security as he is moving with the button of Atomic weapons of Russia. It is reported that annually $5 billion is being spent for his security. There are 250000 security men from secret police and other agencies to protect him.                                        
                                          Putin uses  20 palaces, a Villa on Black Sea(i.e. Worth about one billion) and and the yacht (i.e. Valued 50 million). His official Aircraft Cabin is  fitted with 18 million worth of fittings. It can be seen from above facts that he may be more expensive ruler of Russia then Stalin who was Dictator.  The only difference is that Stalin was more secured as all agencies were under his direct control while Putin's securities are managed by  securities agencies independently.
                                          However it is a matter of interest to note that Russia is  progressing steadily.   Its standard of living has gone up.  However it is  strange but fact that 2/3 of its  Multi rocket Super Bombs are targeted towards China not towards West.
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