The Hill News

Although Vladimir Putin's victory in Russia's presidential election is inevitable, the key question surrounds his margin of victory. This will help determine whether he possesses a popular mandate. Without a convincing final result, he may be denied one. This  could undermine his credibility and reduce his leverage. Furthermore, it would complicate his ability to  implement an agenda.

Since assuming power over a decade ago, Mr. Putin has woken to a new reality. Due considerably to the rise of global commodities prices, a tech-savvy urban middle class has emerged that will increasingly influence the course of Russian politics over time. However, it is not yet representative of broader Russian society.

Read more...