This “better the devil you know” argument rests on the idea that a post-Putin Russia could become less predictable and might be more likely to escalate against the West. Power in post-Putin Russia is more likely to be divided among several individuals, just as it was after Stalin’s death. For those who fear the prospect of a post-Putin Russia, the key concern is often the threat of a possible nuclear escalation. With all his personal authority, Putin has not been bold enough to deploy Russia’s nuclear arsenal. No one can predict the future with precision, but the prospect of a post-Putin Russia should be greeted with cautious optimism.