Vladimir Putin's claim to political legitimacy is closed tied to his record as the strongman who brought economic order and a modicum of prosperity out of the chaos of post-Soviet, post-Yeltsin Russia. And, as he once again seeks the presidency -- this time facing unexpectedly vigorous opposition -- he'll surely be playing the economic stability card whenever possible. But this time around, it's hard to make the case that his election is key to keeping Russia on a growth track. Far from it: Putin's brand of top-down rule undermines the prospects of building a productive, diversified economy.