State: Without a strong and respected state, Russia will collapse -- like it almost did during the 1990s.

This provocative sounding shortlist of Russia's political lexicon is a reflection of its present political culture -- and the solid foundation of Putin's very popular rule. However, this is not the author's provocation, it is what can be heard on the ground here - just some listening is necessary, instead of lecturing.

There is clearly room to disagree with how these terms are understood. However, if the West desires to win the hearts and minds of Russians concerning its own changing political lexicon to create a liberal democracy in its own vision in Russia, it should consider how the its lexicon gives every reason for Russians to resist and reinterpret the same lexicon.

 

Peter Lavelle is an independent Moscow-based analyst and the author of the electronic newsletter on Russia "Untimely Thoughts" (untimely-thoughts.com).