[cderpz]

>"Authoritarian regimes" usually have popular support since a huge majority supports the ruling party.

This argument makes about as much sense as the following one:

>Otherwise, the country would not be stable and vast sums of western money would not have to be sent there in order to ferment a color revolution.

The defining characteristic of an authoritarian regime as opposed to a democratic one is that it does not derive its power and legitimacy from the people - i.e. popular support. It may be stable and "popular" and still terrible, North Korea comes to mind. But as out of touch as you seem to be, you probably belong to that strange group of people who think NK is actually an anti Western paradise.

[kramerger]

Authoritarian regimes don't allow fair elections, and suppress any attempts to freely discuss their shortcomings.

If you don't agree, tell me why neither CNN or Fox News are allowed to operate in Russia right now.