The article reflects on Vladimir Putin's 25 years as Russia's president, highlighting his unexpected rise to power and the subsequent transformation of Russia into a revanchist state. It examines his consolidation of power domestically and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The article features insights from various experts on Putin's motivations, his reshaping of Russia, and his place in Russian history. It discusses Putin's background and his KGB past as influential factors in shaping his actions.
The article includes analyses of Russia's war in Ukraine, interpreting it as reflecting Russia's internal weaknesses. A collection of expert opinions from 2020 predicts the potential future trajectory of Putin's rule.
The article connects Putin's actions to the legacy of Joseph Stalin and the broader arc of Russian history, exploring his use of a Soviet-style election to maintain power.
The article also touches upon the influence of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's writings on the current conflict in Ukraine.