What worries me is that even with the more recent case studies (Vietnam, Iraq, etc.) everyone nods about the important takeaways, and then we rinse and repeat.

In conjunction with end of serfdom and limited local self-government, the post-Crimean war reforms and the early 20th century reforms were critical: move to a more professional officer corps, efforts to expand literacy in the armed forces, possibility for social mobility.

The development of the streltsy as firearm-using infantry after the 16th century, recruited from the towns and peasantry (evolving into a separate social class) was pretty significant; streltsy units played a major role in Russian politics until Peter the Great disbanded them after a coup attempt.

frozen Russian assets to form part of an investment fund for Ukrainian reconstruction (with Russia in theory being able to recoup) ... next steps: both Kyiv and Moscow suggesting they can consider using as negotiating framework? 2/