In Moscow's Shadows In Moscow's Shadows 218: Putin, the Blunderer-in-Chief?
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Sep 28, 2025 The discussion dives into Putin's strategic blunders, questioning if his current troubles stem from mistakes rather than a coherent plan. The failure to diversify the economy during the 2000s and miscalculations in Ukraine are highlighted. Tactics like suppressing dissent and hybrid attacks on Europe are scrutinized for their unintended consequences. Future challenges, including the crisis of succession and the risks of a personalized rule, suggest that Putin's missteps could exacerbate instability. It's a compelling exploration of an embattled regime.
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Navalny's Removal Narrows Political Alternatives
- Alexei Navalny's imprisonment and death removed a unifying, bridge-building opposition leader.
- His elimination leaves future protests leaderless and likely more radical and unpredictable.
Political War Provokes Western Hardening
- Russia's hybrid attacks on Europe often produce operationally trivial disruptions but provoke strategic backlash.
- Those tactics accelerate Western adaptation and defenses rather than weaken resolve.
Mistakes Reveal Regime Logic
- Focusing on Putin's 'strategy' overstates his coherence; his rule mixes objectives without clear pathways.
- Late Putinism may be better understood through its pattern of mistakes than presumed design.