If there were ever an opportunity to witness a train wreck in slow-motion, Russia’s current trajectory towards increasing authoritarianism is a case study.

The New York Times reports on current efforts to extend the Russian President’s term from four to six years. Meanwhile, the EU has resumed normal relations with Russia after suspending talks in the wake of the war in Georgia. The rationale for restoring normal dialogue? Uh…we’ll get back to you on that.

— Nathaniel Heller