'..In the years ahead, the transformation engendered by Russia's demography will call into question long-held assumptions about the viability of the Russian state..'<blockquote>'The cumulative effects of these intersecting trends will be nothing short of monumental. In the years ahead, the transformation engendered by Russia's demography will call into question long-held assumptions about the viability of the Russian state. But even before it does, their impact will be felt in the policies of the Kremlin. Already, the Russian government's persistent imperialism and foreign policy adventurism in places like Ukraine (and potentially Belarus and the Baltics) have been amplified by internal demographic pressures. Indeed, contrary to the image that the Kremlin has attempted to cultivate on the world stage, and in marked contrast to its current activism on a number of global fronts, demographic trends suggest strongly that the greatest long-term strategic threat from Russia will emanate not from its strength, but from its weakness.'
- Ilan Berman,
Russia's Fraught Demographic Future, December, 2016</blockquote>
Context<blockquote>
'..leaders truly interested in curbing Russia's potential for future aggression should take notice..'</blockquote>