Replies to post #9453 on The Rising Influence of Rising Affluence

[ilpapa]

Putin remains imperturbable, on the surface, while disaster looms.

It's said that his standing among the vast bulk of the Russian people remains unimpaired, and that his foreign adventurism boosts his domestic support.

That could become a problem.

[DewDiligence]

Shouldn’t [Russia's credit rating] be at "junk" already?

It is now, according to S&P:

http://www.wsj.com/articles/fears-of-fresh-sanctions-hit-russian-ruble-1422268436