The Nature of the Political Regime and Responsibility for the Invasion

Abstract

Russia's poor prospects as a power that depends on fossil fuel sales are undermining Putin's power at home and Russia’s standing on the global stage. The country's economic stagnation and sluggish improvement in living standards in recent years provide the backdrop for Putin's decision to launch war in Ukraine. Despite the centralized nature of Russia's power system, blame for the attack extends throughout the system of enablers and members of the population who do not oppose the leader.