Vladimir Putin, who has been in power for nearly a quarter-century, is set to begin another six-year term as president of Russia, where he wields extraordinary power. Over the years, he has shaped the country into a monolith by crushing political opposition, controlling the media, and promoting “traditional values.” Despite facing international condemnation for his actions, Putin’s influence remains dominant and his next steps are uncertain.
The ongoing war in Ukraine, where Russia continues to make incremental gains, is a top concern as Putin shows no signs of changing course. The war has significant implications for Russia’s internal politics, economy, and repression levels. In his state of the nation address, Putin vowed to defend Russian sovereignty and security at all costs, even if it means sacrificing domestic projects and reforms. Experts suggest that Putin’s grand historical ambitions may outweigh his commitment to socioeconomic programs.
As the war in Ukraine continues, there are concerns that Putin’s ambitions may extend beyond the country’s borders. Some fear that if Russia achieves some level of success in Ukraine, it may embolden Putin to pursue further military actions in neighboring countries. However, it is also possible that Russia will not be in a position to launch new wars of aggression once the conflict in Ukraine ends. Putin’s age and mortality may also influence his decision-making as he enters a new term with potentially weaker grip on power.
Putin’s animosity toward the West is likely to persist, as he views it as a threat to Russia’s moral values. The crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights and the promotion of traditional values are seen as efforts to resist Western influence. Despite the repression of opposition and independent media in Russia, further measures may be taken to control the country’s information space, including the establishment of a “sovereign internet.” Putin’s inauguration coincides with Victory Day, a significant holiday in Russia commemorating the country’s victory in World War II.
As Putin begins another term as president, his actions will continue to shape Russia’s trajectory on the international stage. His authoritarian rule, suppression of dissent, and confrontational stance toward the West are likely to persist, raising concerns about the country’s future under his leadership. While Putin’s power remains strong, there are underlying vulnerabilities and uncertainties that may impact his decision-making in the years to come.
