Russia's 'Death Economy': How Financial Incentives Make Dying a Rational Choice (legrandcontinent.eu)

• Death compensation equals 25-30 years of salary – death becomes a rational choice.
• System avoids mass mobilization by targeting Russia's poorest and most desperate.
• Inflation and a shrinking recruit pool strain the 'death economy'.

"In an interview, Russian economist Vladislav Inozemtsev explains his concept of 'smertonomika' (death economy). In today's Russia, a soldier's death can provide his family with compensation equivalent to 25-30 years of civilian salary, making it financially preferable for many poor Russians to die in Ukraine. This system allows the Kremlin to sustain the war without unpopular mass mobilization. However, Inozemtsev notes the system is straining: the pool of desperate recruits is shrinking, inflation is eroding pay, and the prospect of endless war deters volunteers. He argues no new mobilization will occur, but the state will continue buying lives."