How Russia Fell In And Out Of Love With Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin has been the dominant figure in Russian politics for over two decades. During that time, he has been both wildly popular and deeply unpopular. In this article, we will explore the complex relationship between Russia and its enigmatic leader.

Fragile Empire: How Russia Fell In and Out of Love with Vladimir Putin

by Ben Judah

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Putin's Rise to Power

Putin was born in Leningrad in 1952. He joined the KGB in 1975 and served in East Germany until 1990. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Putin returned to Russia and worked in the mayor's office of St. Petersburg. In 1999, he was appointed prime minister by President Boris Yeltsin. When Yeltsin resigned in 2000, Putin became acting president. He was elected to a full term in 2004 and has been re-elected twice since then.

Putin's rise to power was due in part to his strong leadership skills. He is seen as a decisive and capable leader who has restored Russia's status as a global power. Putin has also benefited from the weakness of his opponents. Yeltsin was a deeply unpopular president who presided over a period of economic chaos and political instability. Putin's election in 2000 was seen as a return to stability and Free Download.

Putin's Popularity

Putin's popularity has fluctuated over the years, but he has generally remained popular with the Russian people. According to a 2018 poll by the Levada Center, Putin's approval rating was 69%. This is a significant decline from his peak popularity in 2014, when his approval rating was 89%. However, Putin remains significantly more popular than any of his potential rivals.

There are a number of reasons for Putin's popularity. He is seen as a strong leader who has restored Russia's status as a global power. He has also presided over a period of economic growth and stability. In addition, Putin has benefited from the weakness of his opponents. The Russian opposition is fragmented and disorganized, and there is no clear alternative to Putin.

Putin's Challenges

Despite his popularity, Putin faces a number of challenges. The Russian economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas exports, and the country has been hit hard by the recent decline in oil prices. In addition, Russia is facing international sanctions due to its annexation of Crimea and its involvement in the war in Eastern Ukraine. These sanctions have had a negative impact on the Russian economy and have made it more difficult for Putin to finance his ambitious spending plans.

Putin also faces challenges from within Russia. The Russian people are increasingly frustrated with the country's economic problems and with the widespread corruption that has become endemic under Putin's rule. In addition, there is growing discontent with Putin's authoritarian style of government.

Putin's Legacy

It is still too early to say what Putin's legacy will be. He has been in power for over two decades, and he has had a profound impact on Russia. He has restored Russia's status as a global power, and he has presided over a period of economic growth and stability. However, he has also presided over a period of increased authoritarianism and corruption. Only time will tell how Putin's legacy will be judged.

Vladimir Putin is a complex and contradictory figure. He is both popular and unpopular, and his legacy is likely to be debated for years to come. However, there is no doubt that Putin has been the dominant figure in Russian politics for over two decades, and he has had a profound impact on the country.

If you are interested in learning more about Vladimir Putin and his impact on Russia, I recommend reading the following books:

• The Man Without a Face: The Unmasking of Vladimir Putin by Masha Gessen
• Putin: A Biography by Philip Short
• Thunder at the Gates: Russia's War in Ukraine by Andrew Monaghan

Fragile Empire: How Russia Fell In and Out of Love with Vladimir Putin

by Ben Judah

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2493 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	403 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE