Russian Populist: The Political Thought of Vladimir Putin

[Torstone]

Russian Populist: The Political Thought of Vladimir Putin

By Matthew Raphael Johnson, PH.D.

About the book:

Russian president Vladimir Putin is one of the most reviled politicians in the west. At the same time, few leaders worldwide have maintained such high levels of popularity as he. Putin`s political and economic successes are to startling to be debated. From his appointment as vice president on New Year`s Eve 1999, Putin has assisted in the rebuilding of a shattered country in a few short years. With high rates of economic growth, military and police reform, and a concerted attack on official corruption, Putin has become a trusted populist leader and a significant in global nationalism, non-alignment and multipolarity. This book attempts to synthesize the basic political views of Putin. It does not deal much with policy but, rather it, centers around the ideas that drive Putin and his reform plans – domestic and foreign. Contrary to some Western pundits, Putin came to power with a specific set of philosophical goals in mind – much of which is now part of the Russian political scene. As western politicians, drowning in debt and public cynicism, envy Putin`s consistent popularity with the Russian populace, Russia herself seems poised to create a counterrevolution in world politics and against the dreaded “American exceptionalism”. Russia under Putin has engaged in a consistent policy of state nationalism that has derailed the more radical plans of “globalization” in the West.

I`ve finished reading this book and since its one of the few books actually trying to put Putin`s thoughts and action in context contrary to the demonizing from the western world I thought It might be worth mentioning. And it really is a great read.
The author goes through Putin`s speeches and earlier actions to paint a broader picture of how Putin might view the role of the Russian state, religion, and its people. To me it shows many of the underlying reasons for demonizing of Putin. His continued battle against the old oligarch regime and his fight against destructive western economic influence has made him some powerful enemies, enemies that hides behind abstractions like freedom, democracy and the free-market.