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Lieven argues that the American democratic system differs greatly from the modern day democracies, in the respect that the American constitution is full of elements designed to create checks and balances not only against a potentially autocratic executive but against unrestrained majority rule. If institutions like the US electoral college or the Senate itself look undemocratic, it is because they are and were meant to be undemocratic.
Not all observers of Ukraine's "Orange Revolution" are pleased. Instead of democracy's advance, some see a U.S.-orchestrated conspiracy to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty, weaken Russia's sphere of influence, and expand Washington's imperial reach. However, others point to the combination of a weak, divided, and corrupt regime and a united, mobilized, and highly motivated opposition.
Western media, many Russia scholars, politicians who are not in power, and much of the public see Putin moving Russia further away from democracy, human rights, and the rule of law as they are understood in the West. How can the EU forge a set of common values with Russia in order to further the bilateral relationship and better understand Russia's backslide from democracy?
Whoever wins the Ukrainian election, Russian president Vladimir Putin is a clear loser. Putin has suffered a serious setback because of the way he tried to deal with his most important neighbor. Putin's behavior has weakened Russia's influence in strategic Ukraine and damaged the Russian president's reputation in the West.