Harley Balzer, a professor emeritus of government and international affairs, and Sergei Guriev, the incoming Dean of the London Business School, delve into the profound failures of Putin's regime. They discuss unfulfilled promises of democracy and the dire consequences of economic stagnation, focusing on demographic decline and the treatment of migrant workers. The conversation reveals the complex dynamics of Russia's national identity and the grim challenges from sanctions and corruption. Yet, despite these shadows, they explore the glimmers of hope for potential change in Russia's future leadership.
