Outcome of War Connected to Putin's Existential Status
Table of Contents 📖
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"If Ukraine prevail, if Ukraine win the war... Putin cannot be in charge. There is no way you will have an outcome where Ukraine prevail and Putin still rules in Russia."
Introduction
Hello team! In this video, I discuss how Putin's existence is inextricably linked to the outcome of the war in Ukraine, unlike Russia as a country. If Ukraine prevails, Putin cannot remain in power.
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Putin's wealth and corruption
Putin is deeply mired in corruption in Russia, which is a kleptocracy. He is arguably the richest person on Earth, with his wealth hidden through family members and associates who suddenly have billions of dollars without having worked for it. This level of wealth accumulation is not seen in leaders of other countries like the US or UK.
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Consequences of losing power
If Putin is ousted, he will likely end up in prison or dead due to his involvement in corruption. Dictators rarely have a peaceful transfer of power or a comfortable retirement. They often change rules to stay in power because they know the consequences of losing it.
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The "Putin Paradox"
The better Ukraine does in the war, the more likely it is that Putin will do something extreme or irrational to avoid losing power and facing the consequences. This is because his fate is tied to the outcome of the war, unlike Russia as a country or even Zelensky to an extent.
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Irrational actors and power vacuums
People often assume that others, including leaders, are rational actors, but emotions and self-preservation can lead to irrational decisions. Putin has also created a power vacuum by eliminating potential threats to his rule, surrounding himself with less competent people who are not a threat. This may result in fewer checks and balances to prevent him from making an extreme decision.
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Wrap up
Thank you for watching! Please like, subscribe, and share. I appreciate all your support.
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