Episode
416. The Atomised Empire: Passivity, Cash, and the Fate of Putin’s Russia
- Podcast
- Battleground
- Published
- Jul 7, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2796
- Processing state
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- https://shows.acast.com/battlegroundpod/episodes/416-the-atomised-empire-passivity-cash-and-the-fate-of-putin
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Summary
This week, Roger Moorhouse sits down with exiled Russian journalist and Deutsche Welle commentator Konstantin Eggert for a candid look inside the Russian psyche. As Ukrainian long-range strikes push the realities of war onto Moscow’s doorstep, Eggert explains why the average Russian remains passive, how the Kremlin relies on life-changing sign-up bonuses to avoid mass mobilisation, and why the regime's true vulnerability lies in economic collapse rather than social solidarity. Highlights: The Consumer Shield: Why modern Russians—who have apartments, mortgages, and holidays to lose—actively choose "learned depoliticisation" over civic responsibility. Transactional Warfare: A look at the cold, transactional nature of Russia's heavy death toll, where "coffin money" often stifles parental grief. The Prime Minister's Trap: How Russia’s constitution gives current PM Mikhail Mishustin massive immediate power if Putin dies, and why the FSB might not easily keep control. A Moral Wake-up Call: Eggert’s cautious, long-term hope for a future Russian civic conscience that finally learns to say "I'm sorry" to Ukraine. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at [email protected] Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.