Kant, Liberalism, and Russia's Economic Growth

Kant can make a system democratic but not liberal; the relevant dichotomy is democratic without the rule of law, which is a trend increasingly observed in America. Liberalism encompasses not only representative government but effective governance. Kant did not predict Russia's economic advancement against the West, despite acknowledging the stabilization of the Russian economy under Putin. Russia's economic growth is significant, surpassing Western perceptions fueled by real economic production as opposed to fantasy-based GDP statistics. The love for Putin in America is more for the middle-class appeal and future planning of Russia rather than for Putin himself. Russia's economic success is not solely attributed to high oil prices but is rooted in structural factors and real productivity, despite facing challenges like low productivity and pervasive corruption.