> what you understand under the term democracy You're the only one using the term "democracy". Even under an authoritarian dictatorship without any pretense o

> what you understand under the term democracy You're the only one using the term "democracy". Even under an authoritarian dictatorship without any pretense of democracy, the consent (or at least acquiescence) of the populace is necessary for the dictator to rule. Civilians far outnumber the rulers, after all, or even the military. Even if the entire Russian military sided with Putin—and against their own friends and relatives—there is no way he could stay in power in the face of a mass civilian uprising.