If you’re interested in a broader look at the negative impact the Russian elections may have on Eastern and Central Europe–and suggestions for how to counter that impact–check out a short piece I wrote for the Center for European Policy Analysis.

In the piece, I argue that Russia’s “pseudo-democracy” (sometimes referred to as hybrid regimes in academic parlance) sets a bad example for Central and Eastern Europe.  If precautions are not taken, Russia’s relapse could create a domino effect of eroding democratic systems at the periphery of, and even within, Europe itself.  I spell out eight specific recommendations for combating the danger of pseudo-democratic systems.