Quote:
Originally Posted by Bilge_Rat
In theory Putin could be there for a long time, but there are very few president/dictator/politician who manage to stay in power until death, just look how many dictators have been pushed out just in the past 5 years.
Putin built his domestic popularity in part on rising income for the middle class and some good foreign policy moves. Now Russia is in the midst of a economic depression, falling oil prices, economic sanctions and potential quagmires in Ukraine and Syria.
If Putin does not resolve at least some of these issues by 2018, he could be in trouble. Russians will accept some amount of electoral fraud, but assume he only polls 20% and has to resort to massive fraud to stay in power. Will Russians just accept it or will they stage massive demonstrations like in Ukraine? Will the Army just stand by if Putin has to shoot hundreds of protesters to stay in power?
His position is not as secure as it seems.
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As one person put it many years ago..."Live by the sword, die by the sword".
Meaning if you use violence, or other harsh means, against other people, you can expect to have those same means used against you; "You can expect to become a victim of whatever means you use to get what you want."