Lew59er

Putin, like most autocrats, has employed governmental security services and the judiciary to ensure his safety and continued position as leader of Russia.  He currently has the backing of the other oligarchs.  This could change but he has been very careful to surround himself with loyalists who owe a great deal of wealth to his continued reign.  Traditionally, strongmen have always ruled Russia.  An acceptance of such is also bolstered by social fears of external threats to Russian society bred by WWII, the Cold War, etc..  Local media is under tight control by the government.  As such, Putin's administration is better able to influence public opinion and punish those promoting anti-government views.  Putin seems to hold messianic views suggesting that he believes his rule is part of Russia's destiny.  At the very least, he holds the dismantling of the Soviet Union as a disaster for Russia.  Quitting his position would also expose him to

Putin, like most autocrats, has employed governmental security services and the judiciary to ensure his safety and continued position as leader of Russia.  He currently has the backing of the other oligarchs.  This could change but he has been very careful to surround himself with loyalists who owe a great deal of wealth to his continued reign.  Traditionally, strongmen have always ruled Russia.  An acceptance of such is also bolstered by social fears of external threats to Russian society bred by WWII, the Cold War, etc..  Local media is under tight control by the government.  As such, Putin's administration is better able to influence public opinion and punish those promoting anti-government views.  Putin seems to hold messianic views suggesting that he believes his rule is part of Russia's destiny.  Quitting his position would also expose him to international legal consequences.  I give a three percent possibility of him leaving office