Except oil and weapon, what things does Russian really have?
We all see that Russian is really weak in recently oil price crash.
The exchange rate of ruble and the inflation in Russian as follow the oil price crash imply that Russian is just a third - rate country who depends on selling cheap resources.
After the Soviet Union collapsed, the Economic of Russian growth just benefit from the oil price risen.
They have a large territory which provides them with security, shelter, natural resources etc. B*lls of steel, Vodka, Putin, developed millitary industry, many billioners... Did I mention Putin?

''A skilled dictator is much more benefficial to it's country than a democracy of idiots'' works very well for Russia by my opinion.