ivan krastev

The Autocrat's Curse

GZERO World with Ian Bremmer

The Autocrat's Curse

Two months ago, Joe Biden said invading Ukraine would cost Russia and Vladimir Putin dearly. Since then, not much has gone Putin's way. But can he climb down without a win he can sell back home? While the Russians focus on the Donbas, the US now seems to think it can make Russia lose — which could trigger an escalation if Putin feels he's out of options. On GZERO World, Ian Bremmer speaks to political scientist Ivan Krastev, who believes Putin has the autocrat's curse: his back is against the wall because he can't be perceived as weak.

Putin has "mummified" Russia: Ivan Krastev on the Putin effect

GZERO World Clips

Putin has "mummified" Russia: Ivan Krastev on the Putin effect

Vladimir Putin has a much bigger long-term problem beyond Ukraine: Russia's population is shrinking, which for political scientist Ivan Krastev will impact how post-Putin Russia looks like because Putin won't let Russians even talk about it. That's a big deal, he tells Ian Bremmer on GZERO World, because the West seems to be primarily focused on isolating Russia while dreaming of a post-Putin world ... without Russia.