Part 9/13:
Putin’s Divide-and-Conquer Strategy
Vladimir Putin’s approach has historically been to keep competing elites from uniting against him. By deliberately fostering infighting among security agencies and military factions, he ensures no single entity can challenge his authority. Today, the rivalry among Bortnikov’s FSB, Zolotov’s Rascuia, and the military itself is part of this deliberate strategy.
Putin benefits from a fractious power structure that prevents any one group from consolidating enough strength to threaten his rule. However, this strategy comes at a cost. It hampers Russia’s capacity to organize effective military campaigns, respond swiftly to threats, or sustain a coordinated national effort—especially in a time of war.