Part 7/9:
The intersection of Russia's demographic troubles and the ongoing conflict with Ukraine is striking. Some analysts argue that the push for war was partially a diversion from domestic failures, an escape from addressing the aging population and declining birth rates. History shows that leaders often turn to external conflict in times of internal strife as both a means of solidifying power and deflecting blame from governmental shortcomings.
Regardless of the outcomes on the battlefield, Russia's demographic crisis is unlikely to improve in the short term. Even if victory in Ukraine were to materialize, the fundamental issues—such as falling birth rates, high mortality rates, and a hollowed workforce—remain unaddressed and may lead to a starkly diminished presence on the global stage.