Just noticed this old thread. Other than wanting to get out of Russia, Russian women generally complain that Russian men are pigs and treat women like dogs. Remarkably, American men are much nicer to women... There are many highly-educated Russian women who would appreciate an admiring American gentleman. There are undoubtly scams to be found, but the "fact" about Russian men is one of the major motivators.  Obviously, economic factors are a major issue as well.  A friend of mine used to date some of these women who would fly over from Russia. Absolutely gorgeous women - most all of them with graduate degrees including doctors etc.

 

I once knew someone who said: "Why live in Russia if you can go to prison in Denmark?"

He had tried both. Does that answer Your question?

So whats the deal with all the mail order Russian brides? I bet I get three or four spam emails a week offering websites and things about them.

Is this the result of the poor economy and bleak outlook or what? It'd be something to be willing to marry pretty much a stranger and move half way around the world, leaving your life, family, and everything youve ever known behind.

PS: I'm married myself ... but damned if a few of them arent pretty hot!

Eastern Europe has an alcohol problem which goes beyond what we see here. Thirty years ago, my wife and I were in Czestochowa, Poland on a Saturday morning. The majority of representatives of the male population within sight of us were falling down, passing out, throwing up drunk. This was before ten. There was hardly any room on the benches in the bus station because of all those who went there to pass out.

 

The alcohol problem in Russia sounds worse. Alcohol can turn men into pigs. And then there is the Russian mafia. You might get more than you expected.

 

Pay $2000 and go on the Trident Connections tour and find out just how nice the Russian babes are and just how desparate they are to get out of the Ukraine to raise their 1+ children. Just about all have at least one kid. Living in a one room flat with a really crappy factory job and most men unemployed or already married. Trident gets it both ways. the girls pay to be "pimped" in a photo-shoot and listed, then the Americans pay to contact them. Estimated expense to go through the program and marry is $5500.00 ......A bargain for true love.

How Bad is it in Russia exactly?
I don't hear about Other third world Nations ofering Brides?
But It seems worse than Mexico as far as I know.

I saw a study a few years back  (around 1997) don't know how much things have changed. 
Electrically

In Mexico most of the people have electrically. Russia varies from 65 to 75 percent in the cities to 20 to 30 percent countryside. Should note that most of Mexico had electrically before the U.S. did.

Plumbing
Most Mexicans have indoor plumbing. Less then 50% of Russians have indoor plumbing and it gets a lot colder in Russia.

Ask your grandfather what it was like going outside in the wintertime. Most outhouse's were not heated.

Medical

Most Mexicans have better access to doctors. The doctors have better equipment, better training and better access to drugs.

Houseing

Mexico, more space, better living conditions.

Food

Mexico, more and better

Good thing we don't have a border with Russia.

besides the uncontrolled capitolism and very powerfull and connected mob, much of this proble might stem from the fact that much of russia's urban population was the working poor (very poor) when they were at their peak, and with very high unemployment rates and generally poor economic outlook in general, these urban people have to do whatever it takes to survive and many women (or their families) would prefer this to prostitution (which is very rampant there) as the promise of a man to permanently support them (or their families) may seem preferable to grinding out a miserable little streetwalker existence of exploitation, poverty, violence, and disease.