Why the Russian Oligarchs Won't Defy Putin

On the menu today: Let's start the week with a deep dive into the Russian oligarchs, and see how this bunch of fat toadies who are subservient to Vladimir Putin are unlikely to ever turn on the Russian leader or pressure him to end the invasion of Ukraine, no matter how many of their yachts and assets Western countries seize; the Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson begin this week; and the Chicago "local crime story" that will apparently never die.

Russian Oligarchs Are Unlikely to Ever Cross Putin

I'm all for seizing yachts and properties, freezing financial assets, sanctioning, and generally making life miserable for Russian oligarchs close to Putin. They've feasted on Russia's economic and natural resources for three decades, all the while obeying and enabling a malevolent thug's ruthless pursuit of ever-expanding power. It is good to send these men a clear signal that their time of feasting is over and that none of them are safe from the consequences of their actions.

But it is likely an American misperception to think that the oligarchs have a power base independent of Putin, or that they are likely to ... READ MORE

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DEMOCRACY & PHILANTHROPY IN AMERICA

The Center for Civil Society convenes donors and nonprofit leaders in Winter Park, FL on April 6 to discuss and debate critical tensions and opportunities found where American philanthropy and democracy intersect.

The speakers and agenda (Sen. Ben Sasse keynotes) are terrific.

Come! Learn more here.