Stephen Kotkin: Russia’s Murky Future | Foreign Affairs Interview
Foreign Affairs・2 minutes read
Russia aims to navigate a Western-dominated world by seeking mutually beneficial relations, despite its failed invasion of Ukraine. Putin's regime suppresses political alternatives to maintain power, simulating elections while eliminating genuine opposition like Navalny, with the war in Ukraine becoming a business opportunity for the Russian elite.
Insights
- Putin's regime in Russia is described as strong yet hollow, focusing on suppressing political alternatives to maintain power, including simulating elections and eliminating genuine opposition like Navalny. The emphasis is on opposing authoritarian regimes through legal and moral means rather than resorting to extreme measures like assassination.
- The war in Ukraine has evolved into a war of attrition where Russia's war economy plays a significant role, benefiting the Russian elite and lower classes. Winning the peace for Ukraine involves stopping destruction without conceding sovereignty or other demands, highlighting the complexity of the situation and the need for a nuanced approach to resolving the conflict.
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Recent questions
What is Russia's Grand strategy?
Navigating a Western-dominated world through beneficial relations.
How does Putin maintain power?
Suppressing political alternatives and simulating elections.
What are Putin's objectives in the war in Ukraine?
Unclear objectives shifting to war of attrition.
How has the Biden Administration responded to the war in Ukraine?
Rallying Western support and humiliating Russia.
What are the potential scenarios for Russia's future?
Five plausible scenarios explored, including challenges.
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