Part 11/13:
The Broader Threat of Collapse
The internal strife within Russia’s security and military institutions signals more than just a bureaucratic meltdown; it hints at the potential unraveling of the regime itself. When elites constantly fear arrest and purge, they are less likely to act decisively or cooperate effectively.
Smart warns that this civil war—fought in shadows—might escalate. More arrests, internal purges, and infighting could weaken Putin’s grip and accelerate disintegration. The ongoing violence, combined with economic failure, suggests that Putin’s regime may be closer to collapse than many believe.