" .. But what if right-wing populism, which the Kremlin actively supports, is the biggest menace?.."

A bit of a stretch - and what about left wing populism ??? Taking the Kremlin as the given example one may be forgiven for arguing that left wing populism has been the far greater menace, resulting in Communism and the mass murder of millions. Including all the other socialism based populist mantras. " Free " everything while the Nomenklatura runs things behind the scenes. Based on my personal experience I would rate left wing populism as the far greater "menace" .....

And forgive me for including the media ( left or right ) whose sole purpose in lifes seems to be "popular" - contrary to propaganda about critical unbiased in-depth reporting of issues. I cite the ongoing example of Ontario's governance for all to see ....