Source: The New York Times

For Russians, It's RelativeThe enduring and strong support given Russia’s leadership remains seemingly impervious to the series of terrorist acts of which Monday’s Moscow metro bombings are the latest event.

Even the present debate about police abuses of power and misconduct have failed to erode significantly the base of support for Prime Minister Putin and President Medvedev, and polls continue to show their support at levels most political leaders could only envy.

The reason the terrorist acts like those in Moscow have limited impact can be explained by the Russian public’s evaluation of their leadership on criteria broader than their reaction to isolated terrorist acts. First and foremost, Russia’s population — even with the dramatically negative effects of the financial and economic crisis — is still living better and with more choices than it was a decade ago.

Moreover, after the chaotic and traumatic 1990’s, the return of greater predictability and stability in daily life for most citizens is associated with Putin’s presidency and the systems he put in place. This support has probably only strengthened as a result of the economic crisis. As the country weathers the crisis, the present leadership has retained an image of competent management and is credited with preventing a feared total collapse.

In addition, while the security problems Moscow faces in the North Caucasus remain severe, their impact has largely been kept inside the region, and its most unpredictable conflict, the one in Chechnya, has seemingly been brought under control through the Chechen president’s iron-fisted rule.

At the same time, it is also true that over recent months Russians have begun to question the status quo and to ask where Russia is going as the country emerges from the worst of the economic crisis. Many are speaking out openly for change and calling for an end to the corruption, bureaucratic abuse and lack of respect for individuals.

Likewise the open criticism of police corruption has indicated readiness on the part of Russian citizens to challenge the authorities in new ways and demand greater accountability.

The authorities’ response to the bombings in Moscow will be judged in this context, and there will be pressure to demonstrate competence and capability. While it is unlikely that these bombings will intimidate the Russian people any more than they have in the past, they may bring about stronger demand for police accountability and effectiveness and a broader base of support for positive change.