>> People just seem to prefer state controlled media or narratives that fit in with their biases
Except when they don't. For example, it is not unreasonable to say that Putin lost the presidential elections in many regions (recall news stories where they showed 150% of the vote). Most importantly this 'perceived' popularity leads to people not turning out to vote, making it a self fulfilling prophecy. Indeed, the basis for Putin's universal popularity is 'precieved' popularity.
Many Chinese support their cultural superiority BUT many will quickly point out problems with their government and the need for reform.
The population that genuinely supports autocratic systems in Russia and China are in the minority, the rest are dis-disorganized, demoralized and confused but they are also in the majority. That why China runs their firewall.
>> I personally don't have a big problem with this. Probably means less malware and cyberattacks for everyone.
The internet has a cultural program of uniting humanity which fosters understanding leading to practical things like trade and a less tit-for-tat aggression.
I've spoken to quite a few Russian tourists that were very vocal in their support for Putin. I'm sure he has his critics too but there are definitely people drinking the kool-aid.
What's wrong with people supporting a unpopular-with-the-west politician? There are plenty of people willing to give their lives for some silly hollywood celebrity!
Even one county with 100% votes for Obama is a sign of fraud.
You are hooked on simple journalistic reporting mistake and this hook does not do good for you reasoning.
To be clear, I think that Western people through all their hiatory enjoed a wast energy surplus. There were reports by early US settlers about buffalo herds that was to ride around in a day! The same is true for Europe.
This means where westerners can get away with some freedom, russians have to be very tight in their energy budget. For China it is about same - small group rules huge and diverse population and has to schedule resources mindfully. The situation hasn't changed since forever.
If you want to help Russia and/or China, open your IP to them. Take profits from not-energy-constrained West, help energy constrained East.
Sun energy in heat form is accesible for everyone. Oil require substantial investment.
Also keep in mind that all this is historical and that even replacing all people in bureacratic machine will make the dame machine to rwappear. E.g., government of energy/resource constrained country will be prwtty much same as previous. Orherwise many people will die.
If you can evict a person to streets at SF, you cannot do so anywhere in Russia. Rhere's not enough sun light. In China it is the same, except evicted person cannot use land, it is occupied.
As a russian/chinese government official you have to behave differently. You either will punish strongly to prevent bad behavioe, or you will prevent bad behaviour by other means.
And remember, if by some magic you made into chinese govt, you will start to behave more or less same as as current one. Just because gpvt reproduce themselves in same circumstances and for same goals.
We had very different governments in Germany in the last 200 years (Kleinstaaterei, Empire, Weimar Republic, Nazis, Communists, Social Democracy). Conditions didn't change that much in the last 100 years.
Except when they don't. For example, it is not unreasonable to say that Putin lost the presidential elections in many regions (recall news stories where they showed 150% of the vote). Most importantly this 'perceived' popularity leads to people not turning out to vote, making it a self fulfilling prophecy. Indeed, the basis for Putin's universal popularity is 'precieved' popularity.
Many Chinese support their cultural superiority BUT many will quickly point out problems with their government and the need for reform.
The population that genuinely supports autocratic systems in Russia and China are in the minority, the rest are dis-disorganized, demoralized and confused but they are also in the majority. That why China runs their firewall.
>> I personally don't have a big problem with this. Probably means less malware and cyberattacks for everyone.
The internet has a cultural program of uniting humanity which fosters understanding leading to practical things like trade and a less tit-for-tat aggression.