In a customary tradition, Vladimir Putin strode the corridors of the Grand Kremlin Palace, proceeding to the St Andrew’s Throne Hall, where he undertook the oath of office and sworn in for his fifth term as Russia’s president. Addressing a gathering of ministers and dignitaries, he emphasized themes of unity and collective perseverance in navigating challenges ahead. However, his journey from his initial inauguration in May 2000 to this recent oath-taking has witnessed profound transformations.
While initially vowing to nurture democracy and uphold Russia’s welfare, Putin’s presidency has seen a departure from these commitments. Instead, his leadership has been marked by increased domestic political constraints and military engagements, notably with Ukraine. Fiona Hill, a former White House national security advisor, perceives a shift in Putin’s self-image, likening it to that of a Russian tsar, signaling a departure from his earlier pragmatic stance.
It is striking to contemplate the political landscape since Putin’s rise to power, with the United States witnessing five different presidents and Britain undergoing seven changes in prime ministers. Over nearly a quarter-century at the helm of Russia, Putin has indelibly shaped the nation’s trajectory. While past eras rarely invoked the names of their leaders like “Brezhnevism” or “Gorbachevism,” the concept of “Putinism” now resonates, akin to other historical “-isms” like Stalinism. However, navigating Putin’s increasingly authoritarian leadership, coupled with his nuclear capabilities, poses a formidable challenge for Western powers.
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