There's been some interesting, albeit perhaps quite unrealistic, speculation about what the "power vacuum" followed by the possible total collapse of the Russian military would lead to. Some see China using the situation to their advantage, which I also think is definitely gonna happen. Surprisingly many see Russia disintegrating into lots of smaller countries, which I guess is based on the assumption that it's mostly been the illusion of Russia being a military superpower that's held the tattered giant together. Realistically, I think there are one or two small areas that could break into their own independent countries, were there to be a total collapse. I don't think many of the areas that used to be something else than Russia have many non-Russians left there to drive this sort of change, but who knows?
quote: | Originally posted by _Ocean_Drive_
I find the term 'tactical' nuke, an oxymoron. |
I did too, but prompted by what you said, I read about the term on Wikipedia and I guess it makes sense to differentiate a "battlefield nuke" from one that has a broader strategic purpose, like destroying military-industrial facilities far behind enemy lines.
I don't see him being assassinated though, and I've given up on the hope that he's just going to up and die all of a sudden. What I think is going to happen is that some hard-liner is going to oust him the Russian way, and we'll actually end up "missing" Putin. Putin will have a semi-dignified exit and his successor is responsible for paving his way into a trouble-free time for the rest of his life.
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