Putin’s political changes have created a system where journalists, political challengers, and those from within the “siloviki” or “connected guys” of the security and military systems who attempt to challenge his power run the risk of the most extreme punishment.  This dangerous path not only makes life extraordinarily difficulty for those who are trying to change Russia from within, it also harms Russia herself with respect to her future political development, stability, and creation of a strong civil society.  In short, Putin’s political changes are putting Russia on a dangerous path toward instability and internal struggle.