“devolution into multiple independent countries with, at most, Russia-sized populations.”
Along ethnic/linguistic lines? Political fiefdoms of the various crime families running the Politburo? Broken into the Military’s Regional Commands?
[Along ethnic/linguistic lines? Political fiefdoms of the various crime families running the Politburo? Broken into the Military’s Regional Commands?]
I think the most natural would be linguistic. I doubt it would break down that naturally. It really comes down to balance of power. Nobody wants to get bogged down with direct assistance (i.e. troops), but I’m sure many foreign powers would be glad to extend credit or provide arms and non-military supplies on credit to viable major players. If this ever came to pass, every major power would have its favorite.