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Originally Posted by indes
Very interesting article. Is this whole thing to remove themselves as much as possible from the import side of the global economy? I wonder if it's feasible for them to rely on a national economy augmented by energy exports. It's obviously not a viable long term strategy as you would think Russian energy will be replaced eventually.
I hate to rapid post and I'm probably wrong but I just don't see a real long term outlook that's positive for Russia. Still think there will be another shoe to drop at some point.
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I think it helps to recognize the different circles of Russian society: Putin’s inner circle of state power; the next circle of wealthy Russians who reap much of the rewards from the economy and who are (for now) compliant with the regime because they’re vulnerable to state coercion; a small liberal class who have a more favourable view of the West; average Russian citizens.
The interests of these groups are not in alignment. Putin likely calculates that if he can keep the last group - the largest group by far - onside, then the others can pound sand.