What I've seen, having experienced both Russian and American cultures, is that the truest товарищ is the same in any political system. He's the guy that works for a living, earns his keep, gives at least as much as he takes and often a little more. He stands by his friends and family, but he is warm and open with outsiders. He is able to work in any political system, because he's productive. That's my opinion, based on what I've seen in both cultures.