Should we pay attention to Russian elections?
Russia is one of many non-democracies that holds regular national and subnational elections despite the lack of any pretence of democratic contestation. That the upcoming presidential election is expected to be even more humdrum and foreordained than usual has led to a demonstrable lack of interest by the broader world. But despite its stage-managed character and certain outcome, it would be a serious mistake for the rest of the world to ignore it.