To What Degree is Russia a Modern Reflection of the USSR?

[Lunar]

Well, let me take the pessimistic view since I think most people disagree with the premise:

Russia has, for the first time since its creation, crossed internationally recognized borders.  It's controlled by an ex-KGB agent who has adapted his country to hold inevitable elections (but they're elections!  it's modern!) as independent journalists mysteriously die as the state-owned media pumps out anti-American Propganda.  That same ex-KGB agent has instituted a fair amount of USSR national anthems and symbols into his propaganda machine.

Yet...

[Lunar]

There's no sense in being an apologist for Putin. I get the strong feeling that Putin's actions, and others, coupled with their past, is in the long run damaging for the country. The FSB, while not being as strong as the KGB at it's height, is still a major force. The restraint journalism is under in Russia should be a strong indicator of Russian power's character.

Indeed.  The only thing sustaining the current boom in Russia is oil, and it's obvious that oil is a temporary source of wealth.  Once the total volume of energy exports goes down, bribes and corruption will be taking a higher toll, and will result in negative growth.

In my mind, a democracy is not a democracy unless it has competitive elections, regardless of how fair the voting process is (and the denial of media to one's opponents is pretty darn unfair).  I don't see any difference except aesthetics as far as democratic process between today and 1980.  The only difference is that successors are chosen by party leader instead of leaders...