It’s always been this way: the vast majority of Russians support their president and his imperial policy, no matter what and no matter the cost. For this to change, Russia and Russians must reinvent and rid themselves of three fundamental notions which have defined what it means to be Russian for centuries: obedience to a strong, authoritarian leader, belief in Russia’s pivotal role in the world, and the overwhelming sense of a constant threat from the West. Does anyone believe they can do it?