Yes. It's instructive to look at the examples of the two major autocrats of the 20th century. Hitler died a lonely death surrounded by ruin. Stalin died in his

Yes. It's instructive to look at the examples of the two major autocrats of the 20th century. Hitler died a lonely death surrounded by ruin. Stalin died in his own bed as an old man. Stalin bided his time and played the patient opportunist. Hitler was feverish for military victory. It's obvious which dictator Putin wants to emulate.