I am astounded how the political extremes sound so indistinguishable when it comes to Russia today. I'm reminded of Weimar Germany, where the KPD chose to support the non-confidence vote the Nazis introduce against the ruling Social Democrats.

Fast forward to today, the alt-right has laid claim to the hill the far-left has historically chosen to die on. In America, the far right embraced fringe politics and anti-government rhetoric because they were no longer in power. Suddenly, foreign wars, domestic surveillance, and "elite-rule" were bad things!

Another interesting parallel with past fascist movements, yes? The hard-core right-wingers adopt left-wing tactics (populism, rallies, mass movements) in order to secure power and then rule with an iron fist.