When Russian President Boris Yeltsin suddenly resigned on
December 31st 1999, he handpicked a former KGB official just a few years into
politics as his successor. At first it was not obvious that Vladimir Putin
would last very long in the job, but over twenty years later, he still grips
the reins of power. Putin consolidated control over Russia by transforming the
courts, media and other governance institutions to serve his interests. He has
spent lavishly on the military, banned or jailed opposition politicians and
journalists, and cracked down on dissent by restricting free speech on the
internet. His rule has often been marked by cooperation with the West, but more
often by antagonism and confrontation. Having emerged as one of the most
aggressive challengers to the western liberal order, Putin is the pioneer of a
new model of authoritarian leadership on the global stage. How did this former
KGB official with no clearly articulated worldview rise to be Russia's newest
czar? As the world struggles to confront a hostile Russia, the importance of
understanding the formidable and ambitious Putin has never been greater. Purpose: Learn about the enigma that is the Russian dictator Facilitators: Carol & Bill Furtwengler |
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