No Way to Appease Putin
The House that Putin Built: A Closer Look at Vladimir Putin’s Russia
Leon Aron, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, has written a captivating and concise book that takes us on a journey through Vladimir Putin’s life. From his humble beginnings in hardscrabble Leningrad to his unlikely rise to power, Putin’s story is filled with apartment bombings, terror attacks, and the suppression of opposition figures. Aron’s book, aptly titled “The House that Putin Built,” reveals the true nature of Putin’s regime and the transformation of Russia under his rule.
Two Competing Explanations
If we were to delve into Putin’s mind, we would encounter two contrasting explanations for his actions. Aron presents one perspective, describing Putin as a misguided Russian patriot driven by a mission to rectify past wrongs against his beloved country. According to this view, Putin’s actions, however misguided, are motivated by his love for Mother Russia.
On the other hand, there is an alternative explanation, one that I personally subscribe to. It portrays Putin and his inner circle as a vast criminal enterprise, exploiting Russia for personal wealth and power.
Testing these competing propositions is challenging because they both lead to similar behavior. They rely on narratives of Russia’s past and present, depicting a besieged fortress surrounded by enemies, both internal and external. In this narrative, a resolute leader must defend the fortress, even if it means resorting to harsh measures, following in the footsteps of leaders like Ivan the Terrible and Stalin.
It was during Putin’s speech at the 2007 Munich Security Conference that his inner thinking was revealed, shocking those present and prompting Angela Merkel to question if he had entered “an alternate reality.” Subsequent pronouncements from Putin reinforced his narrative of Western abuse and encroachment on Russia’s territory and resources. He claimed that NATO’s expansion, despite earlier pledges, was the final straw.
Aron highlights how Putin’s “alternate reality” has led to a rewriting of Russian history, denying alliances with Nazi Germany and portraying Ukraine as a Nazi stronghold. Putin’s propaganda machine has successfully sold this narrative to the Russian people, fostering anti-American sentiment and creating a sense of Russia as a besieged fortress. To maintain his power, Putin has established a Stalin-like “vigilance” that eliminates any dissent.
Putin’s ultimate goal is to restore Russia’s global status and counter the perceived threat of the U.S.-NATO hegemony. To achieve this, he relies on “nuclear blackmail” as reflected in Russian military doctrine. Aron reveals that Russian nuclear weapons are primarily for the protection of Putin and his cronies, rather than the Russian people. The details of Russian first-use rules remain highly classified.
Putin has strategically confronted the West to validate his vision of Russia’s role in the world order. The 2014 hybrid war in Ukraine, leading to the occupation of the Donbas and annexation of Crimea, exemplifies this approach. Despite the fiction of Russian non-involvement, Putin couldn’t resist taking credit for orchestrating the bloodless takeover of Crimea.
As Aron was writing his book, Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was unfolding. With 150,000 troops directed towards Kyiv and the annihilation of the Ukrainian state, the outcome remains uncertain. Aron presents troubling scenarios of future Russian “smash and grab” operations, such as targeting Russian-majority districts in neighboring countries. This is not a far-fetched scenario but one that demands serious consideration.
While skeptics argue that piercing the NATO shield would be too risky, Putin’s actions in 2022 have shown that he is willing to take such risks. Aron concludes that Putin’s rule can be characterized by his use of war, but the question remains: Is he a Russia patriot or a Mafia don?
Leon Aron’s book, “Riding the Tiger: Vladimir Putin’s Russia and the Uses of War,” provides a thought-provoking exploration of Putin’s Russia and its implications for global security.
Reviewed by Paul Gregory, a research fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and the author of “The Oswalds: An Untold Account of Marina and Lee.”
According to the author, what are the key factors necessary for real change and progress in Russia’s political landscape
Lished a system of control, suppressing opposition figures, stifling free speech, and manipulating elections.
Aron further illuminates Putin’s regime by examining the role of corruption in Russia. He argues that corruption is not simply an unfortunate byproduct of Putin’s rule, but rather an integral part of his system of control. Putin’s inner circle, often referred to as the “oligarchs,” has amassed immense wealth through illicit means, while the rest of the population suffers. This corruption extends to all levels of society, from government officials to law enforcement, creating a culture of impunity where the powerful are above the law.
Furthermore, Aron delves into the economic challenges facing Putin’s Russia. While the country experienced a period of economic growth during the early years of Putin’s rule, it has since stagnated. This stagnation has been attributed to a lack of economic diversification, overreliance on natural resources, and the stifling effect of corruption. As a result, the gap between the rich and the poor has widened, with the wealth of the nation concentrated in the hands of the few.
Although Aron’s book paints a bleak picture of Putin’s Russia, it also offers hope for the future. The author argues that real change can only come from within Russia itself, through the emergence of a strong civil society and a commitment to democratic values. He observes that there are signs of resistance and dissent within Russia, as demonstrated by protests against corruption and the rise of opposition figures.
In conclusion, “The House that Putin Built” provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of Vladimir Putin’s regime and its impact on Russia. Aron’s book raises important questions about the nature of power and the role of leadership in shaping a nation. By examining Putin’s motivations and actions, Aron offers a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Russia and the potential for change. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Russian politics and the global implications of Putin’s rule.
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