It seems that our leaders idolize Russia back. π€£
It's all about this,
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Enlightenment
Apparently, Putin's regime is seen as an example for our leaders to follow.
P.S.: Without the direct threat that the communist USSR posed to Western elites, social-democracy faded away as the rich became more and more emboldened.
*Low public budget China.