What is the main argument of the international political commentator regarding the Russian republics?

The main argument presented by the international political commentator centers on the notion that the Russian republics remain dependent on the Soviet Union, especially in terms of security and economic resources. This perspective highlights how the historical ties and relationships established during the Soviet era continue to influence the dynamics within these republics. As a result, the economic infrastructure, political stability, and defense capabilities of the Russian republics are closely interconnected with the remnants of Soviet power, indicating that their autonomy is still significantly limited.

This dependence suggests that, despite any aspirations for independence or self-governance, the republics face substantial challenges in achieving full autonomy. Without the support and security provided by the Soviet legacy, their viability as independent entities could be undermined, leading to ongoing reliance on the central authority. The commentator's viewpoint underlines the complexity of post-Soviet transitions, where aspirations for independence are often tempered by the practical realities of economic and security dependencies.