Will Russia expand? (Recent independence votes)

[hammer_trek_BBS]

Will the Russian Federation attempt to formally incorporate its own citizens residing in South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Trans-Dniester, and elsewhere in the "near abroad" where pro-Russian movements exist?

Not seen since the days of the Russian empire and since the days of Stalin's own brave attempt to keep the RSFSR from reducing its own territory, now Russia has this nationalistic chance to fend off the rising fascists in its own back yard.

[I guess this also relates to the questions regarding popular sentiments for Putin to get a third term.]

[Atolla]

Not military. Military expantion has ended. Everyone knows that if someone tries something bad in the world, UN will step in. Perhaps through a dialog where they join us, it would be logical to do it as russian political/economical influence will expand in near future.

[MaxPower]

It is possible but I can only see where people choose to join

For example IF

Russia can increase economy to such a level where a vast majority of its neighbor’s population works in Russia then they could vote to join

If the economy increases so much that the politicians in neighbor countries most close their borders because so many people are moving to Russia, then it would be possible to vote

Basically I see it as possible if Russia can increase its economy and standard of living to several times higher then its neighbors then it can get back at least 8 of the 14 republics it lost