The two countries share a wide range of common values, including democratic ones that have been nurtured and have evolved over the last 100 years. Nuclear weapons in North Korea, on the other hand, are a cause of great concern. Policymakers fear a potential strike from an authoritarian regime that does not value the lives of its own citizens. Russia is neither Great Britain nor North Korea. Elections occur but are accompanied by much manipulation.
Political parties exist but fail to represent the interests of citizens.
But over the last year, those who favor democracy in Russia have faced the renewal of tangible threats. The FSB has been emboldened under Putin's leadership, and actively harasses investigative journalists, as well as environmental and human rights activists. Less known is the fear that permeates the activist community. It stems in part from statements made by Putin in a Russian newspaper last summer where he claimed, but provided no evidence, that environmental groups were in the employ of foreign intelligence agencies. He can show solidarity with those activists in Russia who believe in the plurality of views.