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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War Rhetoric Justifies Domestic Sacrifice
- Vladimir Putin increasingly frames the Ukraine conflict as a broader war with the West to justify tougher domestic measures.
- The government is shifting budget weight toward national security while cutting some defence lines and raising VAT to fund it.
Missed Economic Modernization Window
- Putin missed a 2000s chance to diversify Russia's economy and fix infrastructure despite high oil revenues.
- That failure left Russia vulnerable to the 2008 shock and prolonged reliance on buying political stability.
Castling Misstep And 2012 Protests
- The 2008-2012 'castling' where Putin handed the presidency to Dmitry Medvedev was mishandled and provoked the 2012 protests.
- Putin misread those protests as foreign-driven and responded with a heavy crackdown.