[TrumpCard]

As much as my ancestors who lived in Russia probably would agree that Russia of the late 19th Century fit the mold that you're describing for more modern times, I still am not really a fan of the broad generalizations.  Every country has people of all stripes.  Even though democracy didn't work out in the 1990s, I don't think it was insane to hope for a good outcome when the Soviet Union fell, and I would have cautious optimism for something better if Putin were to fall today.

[TrumpCard]

As much as my ancestors who lived in Russia probably would agree that Russia of the late 19th Century fit the mold that you're describing for more modern times, I still am not really a fan of the broad generalizations.  Every country has people of all stripes.  Even though democracy didn't work out in the 1990s, I don't think it was insane to hope for a good outcome when the Soviet Union fell, and I would have cautious optimism for something better if Putin were to fall today.