The legitimacy of their autocratic systems is almost entirely dependent on their success in delivering rapid economic growth. When growth falters, or goes into reverse, there is no one to blame but “the system.”
俄罗斯和中国是政治风险最高的大国。他们专制政体的合法性几乎完全仰仗于成功地推进了经济的快速增长。当增长摇摇欲坠，或是掉头向下，除了“体制”就没有什么可供责备了。