Russia has been on a steady path to authoritarianism ever since putin entered the scene 18 years ago. Since then, a new generation has entered adulthood. One that does not remember a russia before putin. As these young russian men and women enter the work force, they confront institutions in both the public and private sectors that have been completely ssimilated into putins krl kleptocontractic architecture and are left with a choice to be could he opted into this corrupt cooperated into this corrupt system or ejected from it. While putin is the central figure, hes not the only one. The strong man of the kremlin is surrounded by a loyal group of cronies who aid and abet the president. Complicit in the robbery of the russian people and the sad state of russian democracy. Moreover, these cronies enable the kremlin to export its brand of kleptocracy into neighboring countries, transforming corruption into a potent geostrategic weapon. We will establish who most strengthens and benefits f