Russia is a normal European country, by which I mean it is an imperfect democracy. It shares this essential quality--imperfection--with every other democratic state.

I disagree with those who say Russia is sui generis, and therefore set apart from other European countries. I find nothing in Russia's cultural and religious heritage that disadvantages its democratic development compared to other European countries. Indeed, I argue throughout these essays that European democracy would be greatly enriched by incorporating Russia.

Comments prior to 2007 are available at my web site archive: www.npetro.net/4.html.