From spy to president

Vladimir Putin has been at the helm of Russia since 1999, shaping it into an authoritarian and militaristic society. Under his leadership, Russia successfully invaded two neighboring countries and strengthened ties with Syria and Iran, challenging the Western world order. To comprehend the extent of one man's influence on a nation, one must delve into the chaos and corruption that followed the fall of the Soviet Union.

As the Berlin Wall crumbled, Putin, then a 40-year-old undercover spy in East Germany for the KGB, witnessed the Soviet Union dissolve into 15 new countries, including the Russian Federation. In Putin's eyes, Russia had suffered a major geopolitical disaster, losing two million square miles of territory. The government had to sell off around 45,000 public businesses, leading to economic chaos and the rise of oligarchs who controlled key industries.

Boris Yeltsin, Russia's first president, struggled to establish a stable government and relied heavily on oligarch support, surrendering political power in return. This era marked a drastic increase in inequality, with a few individuals amassing immense wealth. Putin entered politics in 1991, leaving the KGB to become the deputy mayor of St. Petersburg. Using his position, he supported friends and allies in the private sector, quickly gaining favor among the emerging oligarchs.

In 1999, Yeltsin appointed Putin as prime minister, a relatively unknown figure in national politics. Fearing Western dominance and NATO expansion, Putin aimed to build a strong Russian state. The opportunity came during escalating violence in Chechnya, following deadly bombings in Russian cities in 1999. Putin, blaming Chechen separatists, garnered widespread support, leading to a devastating war and reasserting control over Chechnya.

Putin became interim president in 1999 and won the presidential election in 2000, initiating a shift in the Russian state. Patronage and corruption were key tools as he suppressed oligarchs who didn't align with his vision. The invasion of Georgia in 2008 showcased Russia's aggression, even though Putin was not president at the time, highlighting his influence as prime minister.

Despite initial attempts to reset relations, Putin remained wary of the US, especially its interventions in the Middle East. He returned as president in 2012, cracking down on dissent at home and pursuing a militaristic strategy abroad. Tight control over Russian media allowed Putin to shape public perception, depicting himself as a strong leader.

Internationally, Putin's regime developed a formidable cyber army, engaging in activities like hacking and propaganda campaigns to sow discord in Western democracies. The culmination of his vision occurred in Ukraine in 2014, with the annexation of Crimea and ongoing support for conflict in the region.

While Putin's aggressive foreign policy weakened neighboring countries, it came at a cost. Harsh sanctions from the West led to economic struggles, with the Russian currency plummeting and the energy industry collapsing. The election of Donald Trump offered a glimmer of hope for Putin, with the possibility of lifted sanctions and weakened NATO.

As Putin continues to exert his influence, both domestically and internationally, the question remains: can Russia sustain itself under the weight of its leader's ambitions? The intricate dance between power, aggression, and economic consequences defines Putin's legacy as he navigates the complexities of global politics.