December 2011 saw a change in the social and political situation in Russia. Society has awakened and is declaring its rights. Initially, the authorities had hoped to wait out the protests, but it soon became clear that that would not work and the storm would not just “blow over.” It was necessary to respond. There was probably a temptation to resort to the use of force, as before, but reason has prevailed. The authorities chose instead to maneuver, describing the massive protests as evidence of a mature democracy

With no goals, no passes, no dribbling, no tackles, he might as well not be playing at all. He’s no trouble to the opposing team, and his own teammates don’t notice him. But spectators, analysts and reporters do notice. The crowds boo every movement of the Russian national team’s captain, analysts advise selling him as quickly as possible and reporters dismiss him...