Post Putin: Succession, Stability, and Russia's Future (American Foreign Policy Council)

Now in apparent robust health, Russian President Vladimir Putin (age 66) could remain in power for another decade or even longer. But he will not keep power forever. From declining health to forced retirement to assassination, a multitude of factors could force Putin to leave the political scene and bring new leadership to Moscow. If so, who might come to power, and what policy changes can be expected during, and after, what may well be a protracted power struggle? Post Putin is a prescient examination of the variables that could contribute to Putin’s departure from political power, and the competing forces with which any potential successor will need to contend.

Herman Pirchner, Jr. is president of the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington, DC, and a noted expert on Russian politics and foreign policy.