Meanwhile in Russia

Putin's appointment of Alexei Dyumin as Secretary of the State Council has fueled speculation about Dyumin succeeding him. Known for loyalty and critical roles, Dyumin's promotion fits Putin's pattern of elevating trusted insiders but weakens the State Council. This move keeps elites uncertain about succession, maintaining Putin's control in Russia's personalist autocracy.
 
Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent appointment of Alexei Dyumin as Secretary of the State Council, a position previously held by the long-serving Igor Levitin, has set the stage for a potential succession. Dyumin, a former bodyguard and governor of Tula, has been a key player in critical operations, notably the annexation of Crimea. This move aligns with Putin's pattern of promoting trusted insiders, particularly amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
 
 
However, the appointment of Dyumin, despite his lack of bureaucratic expertise, is not without its implications. This strategic move by Putin is perceived as a means to maintain control and keep the elites in the dark about his succession plans. The rumors of Dyumin's potential presidency could be part of a calculated information campaign to sow uncertainty and consolidate Putin's power, further underscoring the nature of Russia's personalist autocracy.
 
In reality, Putin can choose his successor without constraints, and this ambiguity protects his position by preventing rivals from planning against him. If Dyumin were to become president, he would likely be a figurehead, with absolute control remaining elsewhere in the government.
 
The speculation about Dyumin underscores the nature of Russia's personalist autocracy, where succession plans are not standardized, and power dynamics remain unclear.
 
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