To understand the threat to our real democracy, watch Putin's fake one | Rafael Behr

Millions of Russians are set to vote this weekend, but the outcome of the election is already largely predetermined. United Russia, the party of President Vladimir Putin, will likely retain control of the Duma, the Russian parliament. This is because the purpose of the election is to maintain Putin's authority over the political process, not to genuinely choose a new parliament. The threat to democracy lies in the cynical tactics and corrosion of trust that keep Putin in power, which can also be seen in other countries, including Britain.

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The story highlights the threat of corrosion of trust in democracy. This could lead to decreased investor confidence in the UK.

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