> or in this case one person I don’t think that’s true. Even autocrats need allies to stay in power and stay safe. They might obtain those through fear, bribes

> or in this case one person I don’t think that’s true. Even autocrats need allies to stay in power and stay safe. They might obtain those through fear, bribes, etc., but they’re still allies. Autocrats also help elevate those that agree with them so if you also think Russia should return to USSR (or Russian Empire) borders, you’re going to get more power, more perks, etc. Just like any country there will always be nationalist leaders and a good portion of the population that supports them. Russia’s leaders from Putin to Stalin (and probably before — I don’t know my Russian history that well), have always had territorial ambitions. See: Georgia, Crimea, Afghanistan, Poland, etc. Putin is the face right now, but I think it runs far deeper than just him.