AP Photo

Our research on the successful economies of the past 30 years shows that high growth is not dependent on whether a political system is democratic or authoritarian. What matters are leaders who understand the art of nurturing growth. The success of your tenure is perhaps best summed up in a single figure: average Russian income has risen from $2,000 to $13,000 in the past decade. However, this figure also sums up your challenges as today you begin your new term as president.