Russia's monograds risk becoming big problem for Putin

Subject

Russia's monograds (single-industry towns).

Significance

The recession in Russia, which threatens to get worse before it gets better owing to the decline in commodity prices, is not unfolding in a uniform manner. Of greatest concern to President Vladimir Putin will be the economic situation in many of Russia's single-industry towns (monograds).

Impacts

• Intervention in Syria and the media campaign against Islamic State group aimed at deflecting attention from the economy will intensify.
• The Kremlin's onslaught against so-called 'foreign agents' and opponents will grow as the 'fortress mentality' intensifies.
• The Kremlin may try to court Chinese investment in regional areas but money will take time to arrive.