"WhatifAlthist" | World History, Philosophy, Culture

The Coming Fall of Russia

8 snips
Mar 22, 2024
Explore the turbulence brewing in modern Russia, marked by economic challenges and fragile governance. Delve into how Stalinism's legacy still looms over society and the complexities of Putin’s rise. The significant shifts since the 2000s reveal a nation grappling with cronyism, wealth disparity, and a distressed young populace. As cultural revival battles with geopolitical hurdles, the potential for a political upheaval grows, painting a picture of a country at a crossroads.
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INSIGHT

Russia in the Shadow of the USSR

  • Modern Russia's social order is a reaction to the Soviet Union's fall.
  • Understanding the USSR's collapse is key to understanding modern Russia.
INSIGHT

Putin's Medieval Rise

  • Putin's rise mirrors medieval power dynamics, with secret police ascending like Mamelukes.
  • His Leningrad origins are significant given Ukraine's independence and power cliques.
ANECDOTE

Putin's New Nobility

  • Putin's inner circle consists of old friends, mirroring medieval nobility.
  • One example is a former chemical equipment salesman now in charge of building palaces.
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