In Moscow's Shadows 129: It's All About Putin's Eggs
Jan 7, 2024
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Explore the egg crisis in Putin's Russia, with insights on the historical context of food-related protests, Kremlin's actions, and Moscow FSB Directorate's role. Discuss the impact on border cities and economic challenges. Learn about the potential impact of different types of leaders and an intriguing anecdote about religious imagery in eggs.
39:36
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Quick takeaways
The involvement of security forces in addressing the egg crisis reflects the personalistic and granular nature of the Putin system.
The fear of economic problems sparking wider political issues is evident in the immediate involvement of the security apparatus.
Deep dives
Lesson 1: Security forces involvement in crisis management
The involvement of security forces in addressing the egg crisis reflects the personalistic and granular nature of the Putin system. Various agencies scramble to prove their part in the solution to secure their position in the regime.
Lesson 2: Economic problems and political unrest
The fear of economic problems sparking wider political issues is evident in the immediate involvement of the security apparatus. Economic hardships are more likely to create grassroots movements that can challenge the regime.
Lesson 3: Regime's fear and paranoia
The regime's intense worry about economic crises stems from past experiences. Putin and those in power are wary of how economic problems can lead to the downfall of the regime, as seen in previous collapses like East Germany.
Lesson 4: Putin's blame game
Putin consistently deflects blame onto others when faced with challenges. His characteristic "apologies" serve as warnings and highlight his tendency to assign blame to underlings while taking credit for successes.
Russia is still gripped by an egg crisis, after prices rose 46% last year. Now the security apparatus is investigating hoarding and profiteering, the Agriculture Ministry is talking price controls and Lukashenko is having some fun at Putin's expense. At the risk of sounding glib, in this podcast I explain why the crisis explains everything you need to know about Putin's Russia...
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