As a Russian, I believe that USSR was relatively peacefully collapsed as critical mass of people get skeptical of communist system. It’s all started in 70s, as people slowly started listen foreign music, watch foreign movies and at the same time get frustrated by increasing inefficiency of communist system.

The biggest reason why Venezuelan government still exists is not Russia or China but silent majority of poor people who still support the idea of socialism and believe it’s American sanctions is the main reason of their poverty (that’s why sanctions against Cuba and Venezuela is very stupid idea). Those who protested are minority of the population.

The government is so brave only as long as it’s backed by silent majority. The government will dissolve pretty quickly once majority stop believing in it and USSR is the best example of it.

Another example, despite what Russian opposition says Putin is still popular among low class people. That’s why he is so “brave” to quickly shutdown any dissent. As he knows that his actions are sanctioned by his supporters.