As the global economic malaise deepens, Russia's solid economic and political climate makes it a tempting spot for investment for even the most xenophobic American politician.

Case in point: The next time Republican US presidential candidate Mitt Romney decides to brand a country a bitter enemy of America, he might want first check where his money is invested.

Despite his avowedly hawkish stance towards Russia, Romney purchased shares in Russian firms in 2011 through his equity fund. According to media reports on his 2012 tax returns, Romney invested in Russian energy giant Gazprom, as well as Russian Internet search engine Yandex.

This leads to an interesting question that may arise in the upcoming debates between Romney and the Democratic incumbent, Barack Obama: What businessman, especially one who is making a run for the White House, would invest his money into a country he derided as an enemy? Are there any real politicians in Washington, or are they all just liars and actors?