Shield of the Republic Putin's Growing Body Count
Aug 7, 2025
Fred Starr, former President of Oberlin University and a central figure at the Central Asia and Caucasus Institute, dives into Russia's military struggles and staggering losses. He sheds light on the myriad challenges facing Russian forces and the complexities of public opinion in the country. The discussion spans the rich resources and political landscapes of Central Asia, addressing how Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are navigating post-communist governance. Starr also touches on the renewed interest in avoiding Moscow's influence among former Soviet states.
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Weaponized Industry Will Hinder Recovery
- Putin shifted vast civilian industry into military production, easing short-term supply but hurting peacetime recovery.
- Fred Starr warns reconverting factories to consumer goods will take years and enormous investment.
Last-Ditch Aggression Is Possible
- A desperate Kremlin might launch desperate attacks beyond Ukraine, including the Baltics, Moldova, or the Caucasus.
- Fred Starr warns the discredited military may refuse extreme orders, risking internal revolt.
Military Fracture And Generational Shift
- Signs of military collapse are emerging as criminal elements and exhausted troops return home.
- Fred Starr expects rapid generational turnover and young elites who could reshape Russia if conditions allow.