Vargas Llosa was right, of course: the PRI held sway over Mexico’s energy sector, its media and the country’s judicial system. During those six decades, the PRI also managed to emaciate the competition: with the almost quixotic exception of the PAN, almost no other political party tried -- or managed -- to break the PRI’s reign.

Vargas Llosa’s definition now applies to a growing number of countries. Vladimir Putin’s Russia is, clearly, the most powerful member of the club. Until a few years ago, Russia was all talk. The country had yet to emerge from its deep economic malaise. But now, after the energy boon, Putin’s Russia has suddenly grown claws. It seems intent in reclaiming its long lost petro-bully fame. The dramatic stories of Alexander Litvinenko, Anna Politkovskaja and Mikhail Khodorkovsky prove that the old Soviet ways are back. Still, the question remains: how dangerous is this reinvigorated Russian bear?

Clearly, Vladimir Putin is acting out of anger. As the genuine autocrat he is, Putin thought that, after supporting NATO’s expansion and America’s military presence in Russia’s backyard, the world would turn a blind eye to his perfect dictatorship. Clearly -- and thankfully -- he was mistaken. The West has not only continued criticizing him, it has kept on demanding Russia’s support in the international arena, sometimes in matters that can’t make Putin completely happy, like the recent Security Council resolution against Iran.

Thus, Putin’s Munich rant. Putin should be dealt with carefully. Even if Russia is no longer the imposing counterbalance it once was to the United States, it still holds an important number of cards in its hand. Russia’s cooperation will be invaluable if the world is to resolve the crisis in the Middle East.

Russia’s influence is also crucial when dealing with China. Naturally, this doesn’t mean the world should ignore Putin’s growing disregard for freedom and democracy. As Mexico soon learned -- and Venezuela, alas, eventually will -- there is, ultimately, no perfection in dictatorship. Intelligent pragmatism is what’s needed now. Condoleezza Rice has always been a renowned Soviet specialist. It’s time for her to display her talents.