Russia's Geography Problem

Russia has a problem. A problem that can explain part of why the average Russian only makes 7,500 US dollars per year. A problem that can explain every political decision the country has ever made.

Russia's geography is flawed.

Population
Two-thirds of the people of Russia live in Europe. With a more centered power system than other countries, most of the political decisions are made "for" Moscow. This is just one of the problems created by its geography.

Other Countries
Most other countries' success depends on how well its geography protects it. The US has benefited greatly from its geography. It is an ocean away from any significant military power. Any military force that can hurt the US was in Asia or Europe. That means any attack on the mainland US would require planning the attack, getting the attack approved, getting the troops, getting the ships, getting the fuel, sailing there, and then attacking. This would cost tons of money and effort to do.

On the European side, France also benefits from its geography. Their Northwestern boundary is bordered by the English Chanel, the Western border by the Bay of Bismal, their southern border by the Mediterranean Sea and Pyrenees Mountains, their Southeastern border by the Alps Mountains, their Northeastern by the Rhine river. The Northern half of their border is not protected by anything. This flaw was something that Germany exploited in WWI by invading through Belgium. Still, France is far more protected that most other European countries. 

Russia's Expansion
The only reason for Russia to expand was for power.

It started when it unified into a state in the year 882 A.D. Then, when they began to have problems that other states were going to invade, it started to expand to protect the core of the country.

This early Russia was very unprotected and vulnerable. There was no mountains or oceans to protect it from invaders. The only real resource was pure manpower. 

Centuries later, in the Great Duchy of Moscow, Russia greatly expanded.

Eventually, Siberia was conquered. Even though Siberia was "Unconquerable."

After the Expansion
Russia had Siberia. It was 1000 miles of inhospitable land that an entire army had to go through. Then they had to go through the Ural Mountains. So from the East, Moscow couldn't be reached.

That doesn't negate the West side though. That is still a grassland with nothing to stop them. As you can see, Russia still has problems.