Putin's formula for achieving absolute power in Russia was by using and controlling the Oligarchs. The power (through money) was in their hands and he found that way to organize that power and control it.
One of the reasons that people crave money is that it gives its owner power – to do whatever they choose, to buy freedom, loyalty and a range of other desirables.
Nonetheless, that in an of itself does not mean you can control a nation. For that, you need to control other things
1) the currency - Trump trying to control crypto
2) control the constitution with its checks and balances - Trump trying to do that through Project 2025
3) control the running of the government itself - Trump getting loyalists for the Cabinet posts
4) control the rich - getting Musk on his side (the richest American) and him working with and for Trump
5) destroying the Justice system - Trump doing that by electing the members of the Supreme Court
This is Putin's formula and Trump is following to a tee.
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