In 3-5 sentences, assess how successful Russian imperial methods of political control were.

Russian imperial methods of political control were relatively successful during their time as they effectively centralized power and maintained strict control over the vast territories of the empire. The establishment of autocracy, the use of feudal structures, and the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities contributed to maintaining stability and control. However, this centralization also resulted in a lack of political participation, widespread oppression, and eventual social unrest that ultimately led to the downfall of the Russian Empire.