How will Putin’s rule end? Coup, anointed heir or power for life

Ten years from Thursday, the new president of Russia will swear an oath to the nation in front of the country’s political, religious and military elite. For only the second time this century, their gaze will fall upon someone other than Vladimir Putin. At least that’s the theory. According to the Russian constitution, the limit on Putin’s term in office will expire in 2036, and presidential inaugurations traditionally take place on May 7. Yet much remains unclear. Will Putin, who will be 83 in 2036, be content to pass the baton to a successor, or will he seek to rule…