The collapse of the Soviet Union is normal if you think of Russia as the world's last empire. For one reason or another, all the other empires have decided that

The collapse of the Soviet Union is normal if you think of Russia as the world's last empire. For one reason or another, all the other empires have decided that it's more profitable for them to dominate by trading instead of conquering. Russia, on the other hand, can't do that so it still clings to the old ways of controlling its territories and neighbors. As soon as they give that policy up, the empire will resume its disintegration. Most Russians believe it's a bad thing, hence their acquiescence of the neo-fascist regime that's gradually establishing itself in the country.