MOSCOW – In 1984, just before Mikhail Gorbachev’s ascent to power, there was a sense in Moscow that the Soviet Union was petrified, and nothing could change. Then everything did change, exposing the extent of the transformation that had occurred beneath the surface. Today, a similar mood pervades Moscow, with President Vladimir Putin’s regime appearing stable, even unbreachable. But, as was the case back then, a closer look reveals a number of chinks in the armor.
OP-ED
Anders Aslund: Is Vladimir Putin losing his grip?
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a holiday reception marking "Russia Day" in Moscow on June 12.
