When Russian leader Vladimir Putin jails or poisons rivals or journalists or even invades a neighboring country, it’s not all that shocking.

After all, the Russian president was a high-ranking agent in the Soviet KGB and has shown little inclination to change his stripes while presiding over the kleptocracy that is modern Russia.

However, countries with actual self-governing systems are not supposed to resort to unsavory tactics. Leaders are not supposed to consolidate power by arresting opponents or crippling them with lawfare.… Continue Reading