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Politics : Clinton's Scandals: Is this corruption the worst ever? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: one_less who wrote (8575)	10/19/1998 8:08:00 PM
From: jbe	Respond to of 13994

<OT: Russia & fascism> AbdulHaq, I think that people who are less submisssive to authority are also less likely to fall under the spell of any charismatic leader, let alone one with a strong "people-centred" social agenda... It is hard to remember, but that is exactly what Yeltsin was when he came to power. If the adage about "once bitten, twice shy" is correct, someone who has become disillusioned with Yeltsin is likely to be more skeptical about the next charismatic leader to come along. The widespread cynicism about politicians now in evidence in Russia may actually serve as protection against the rise of a fascist-style leader.. But you are right, there is a danger of fascism - in Russia. (I don't see it elsewhere, where old-fashioned authoritarianism is more the rule.) There is a sizeable anti-democratic movement, professing a truly weird ideological mix of far left-wing and far-right wing elements. However, it seems to be primarily a movement of intellectuals and skinheads, of the nationalist, religious, and Communist varieties. (I told you it was an odd mixture.) I think their real influence in the country at large is limited. And, most importantly, perhaps, they have no Leader. They have absolutely no one even remotely resembling a Hitler or a Mussolini. The few charismatic types that Russia does have, like General Lebed, steer far away from this sort of stuff. So, for the moment, I think the danger is fairly remote. But if the economic situation gets much worse than it already is, that could change, and change fast.. jbe