The Russian ‘system’ is not studied by the West, in large measure because of a focus on Journalism and its effects on opposition politics, but also because Russia is seen as backward and broken. There may be another excuse. If Putin had any finer grip on power, it might spook people completely.
The word is that his ‘system’ is fast becoming the set standard for those that understand Russian leadership, and in particular have a share in the Kremlin’s overall power structures.
“His leadership has come at a time when Russia can be shaped,” a dissident said to me, looking scared. “It’s how he rules – and how they see it – that matters,” he concluded, falling silent.
That Putin feels in control is down to his own mastery. Few could do it, considering the hints and tips that are sent out from time to time. He’s characterised as running a newsroom, military command control centre, and a boardroom all at one time.
The task is unimaginable to us because Russians want something different. The best efforts of Europeans to convince otherwise have failed, reflected on by looking to our own chaotic structures.
As he feeds in his ideas, Putin is the President of Russia. This is how it’s seen. “If there’s no Putin, there’s no leader,” a proud Russian national said to me, “you know that – with your newspapers!” His point is that we seem to thrive off a bad man in Russia to understand our part of the world – this part of Europe – as much as he knows the strength of the Kremlin on his life.
Russia’s war is faltering. Maybe Russians will assume their leader has run out of ideas. They don’t think in terms of land grabs unless they’re told to, but they do believe their armed forces will achieve everything they can before such a reality comes to pass for Russia.