The model of bureaucratic gangster capitalism which has evolved over the past 20 years in Russia is at the height of its powers in 2008.

...Many observers both inside Russia and abroad are wondering whether in 2008 we can look forward to an era of liberalization when Dmitry Medvedev becomes president. Can we expect a “de-Putinization”, a thaw under which the state authorities can be freely criticized on television, political prisoners freed, and murders committed with the connivance of the security services are investigated?  Full Piece