Part 9/11:

While the government has historically made efforts to curb alcohol use—most notably under Gorbachev's campaign—those attempts were ultimately undermined by economic pressures and a return to unrestricted availability post-Soviet collapse. Lamentably, instead of fostering policies to combat this crisis, the government has often encouraged consumption for short-term economic gain.

The Shadows of War and Migration

Recent geopolitical tensions, especially the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, add additional layers of difficulty to Russia's demographic challenge. High military casualties, coupled with the emigration of many skilled, young Russians disillusioned by the current regime, compound the existing labor shortages and drive further societal instability.