TWO of the three most powerful nations on earth are in the process of choosing new presidents.
However, the way they obtain office could not be more different. Russia will have its new leader today, but the rise of Dimitry Medvedev will be no more democratic than the selection of rulers of that third superpower, China. Medvedev has been anoi
nted rather than elected, with the only vote that counts being that of the man he will succeed, Vladimir Putin. Analysts predict that Putin, forced to formally stand
down after two terms, will continue to pull the strings.
Meanwhile, there is a real election going on in America, and next week will be crucial for the Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, with the black senator from Illinois looking increasingly likely to take the battle to the Republican's John McCain. If from this side of the pond there doesn't seem to be a great deal of difference between them on policy, most people will agree that any of the three will be an improvement on the present incumbent of the White House.
The relationship between the US and Russia is no longer as important as it was, but each still has a vital role to play in world events. Medvedev, whether acting as his own man or as a puppet, may yet deliver on his vague promise to extend freedoms, and he will hopefully look to build good relations with the West.
Increasingly, we hope that his most important relationship will be with the first black American president.
The full article contains 262 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
