Counterpoint: the only way to keep the standard of living increasing for the poorest Russians is war spending. https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/russia-ruble-econo

Counterpoint: the only way to keep the standard of living increasing for the poorest Russians is war spending. https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/russia-ruble-economy-putin-1.7395484 https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/russia-ruble-economy-putin-1.7... … and that will be the indicator to watch. Otherwise, economic signals from the Russian people make central bank measures look Soviet, so there’s necessarily the question of collapse. But the average Russian appears willing to endure another 1998—-projecting that Putin will outlive the economy. The key will be: can Putin use his advantage with the people who control Trump to keep wild protectionist policies from depressing Asian demand for Russian oil?