The emphasis in Russia about the need for a 'Tsar' and a police state is likely similar to why China wants an 'emperor' and why half of America wanted a 'King Trump'- vast country with a vast population is difficult to govern for a weak democratic ruler. It would lead to lack of leadership, chaos and civil war. I think the situation in every country is different. It is much easier to govern a very small country.
I think western economic theories about economic development are heavily flawed. We in the west live in the 'service economy' which is actually filled with massive inflation, bullsh*t jobs, corrupt industry structures, de-industrialization, and lack of real economic/cultural/social development. For the US middle and working class, living standards have barely budged in 40 years and have declined for many. The soon to be 34 trillion dollars of debt is another sign of failure. European economic performance has been stagnating for decades too.
Then communist China with a mixed economy becomes the biggest real economy in the world with the fastest growth.
America like Russia is also ruled by Oligarchs and has a corrupt and incompetent political and military system.