[cm2187]

But the rise of communism and resulting violence in Germany greatly contributed to the rise of the nazis in the 20s and 30s.

I think comparing Germany to Russia today is missing the point. Europe self-destroyed through two world wars during the XX century. At the end of the XIX and for about 300 years before it pretty much dominated the world. Now it is a club of mid-size countries that have lost most of their international influence and military might.

The rising demography of developing countries being probably the second biggest factor.