? A third Putin term must lay the groundwork for a “Successor 2.0”: finding a way to preserve intact the existing regime while handing power to a new leadership generation, given that the first post-2008 attempt was not successful.
? Putin does not have unlimited time or authority, given the changes in Russia’s domestic landscape
? Putin must balance between existing power centers and the need to bring in fresh cadres
? He will operate in an increasingly unfavorable international environment for Russia; Russia is the weakest of the great powers and risks being left behind as power is increasingly rebalanced between the West and the rising powers of the south.