Zack Beauchamp writes on the potential fatal flaws in the Putin regime on Vox.com,

The problem with strongman rule is that the strongmen are not immortal. While Vladimir Putin himself has a secure hold on power for the foreseeable future, he will eventually grow old and die. And the government he has created is so dependent on him that no one knows who-or what-will take over when he’s gone. The Russian political system [is] remarkably vulnerable. In a personalist regime, all power and legitimacy rests in the Big Man. The leader’s death is more likely to create a crisis. It could be very bloody once it comes.