Convergence with Russia: Sovereign Democracy and the Unitary Executive of Facebook

"Vladislav Y. Surkov, a former advertising prodigy, coined the term 'sovereign democracy' to describe his system, which preserved the electoral process but hollowed out institutions capable of challenging the Kremlin’s power. Asked by a journalist from Interfax on Tuesday why he was leaving, Mr. Surkov first answered, 'Stabilization devours its own children.'"

Experts say Donald Trump’s ‘policies’ dovetail with what Vladimir Putin would like for Russia, by C. Eugene Emery Jr.

"On the campaign trail, Mr. Trump has repeatedly praised Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian leadership, while outlining policies that read like a Kremlin wish list. He has claimed that Putin would never invade Ukraine, suggested permanently ceding Crimea to Russia, and placed conditions on upholding our obligation to protect our NATO allies. He even encouraged Russian espionage to interfere with our election, a tactic Putin has deployed across Central Asia and Europe to boost his preferred candidates. In addition, he has floated lifting sanctions against Russia, which would benefit both Putin and the Trump Organization."