Russia's New Leader: Vladimir Putin's Ambitions and Hopes for Stability

Strategic Insights -

As Boris Yeltsin's shocking resignation leaves Russia's future uncertain, Western leaders and analysts are cautiously optimistic about Vladimir Putin's potential to bring stability and order to the chaotic country. Putin, a former KGB agent, has vowed to maintain Russia's foreign policy, pursue strength through industry and technology, and crack down on corruption. However, his dark past as the chief architect of the brutal three-month assault on Chechnya and his surprise success in elections fueled by nationalist sentiment have raised concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • Putin's vow to maintain Russia's foreign policy and pursue strength through industry and technology, rather than relying on weapons, suggests a potential shift towards a more pragmatic approach.
  • His pledge to crack down on corruption at home is a welcome move, given the widespread corruption that has plagued Russia in recent years.
  • Putin's past as the architect of the brutal Chechnya campaign has raised concerns about his commitment to democracy and human rights.
  • His party's surprising success in elections fueled by nationalist sentiment has troubled some analysts, who worry about the resurgence of xenophobic and chauvinistic tendencies.
  • Putin's apparent "can-do" personality and his expressed support for democracy have been quoted positively by Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who has had several positive encounters with him.
  • Despite the warm words from Washington, there are other irritants in the U.S.-Russian relationship, including resistance to the U.S. bid to erect an anti-missile defense shield and plans for a U.S.-backed pipeline that would bypass Russian territory.
  • Putin's intentions for Russia's economic reforms and how he will develop a relationship with the West remain unclear, with some analysts questioning whether his expressed support for democracy is genuine.
  • Outraged by reports of Russian officials and crime groups stashing billions in international aid or ill-gotten profits, Congress cut the administration's request for aid to Russia by 30% this year.
  • Putin has made clear that he does not intend to adopt the U.S. model of hard-edged capitalism, instead advocating for strong government regulation to mute the impact of the market.

Statistics:

  • Putin is 47 years old.
  • The U.S. is planning to proceed with the anti-missile defense shield this summer.
  • The ABM treaty restricted the U.S. and Soviet Union each to a limited system of interceptor missiles.
  • START II and III, which have not been ratified by both nations, would reduce stockpiles of intercontinental missiles.
  • The amount of aid cut by Congress this year is 30%.

Sources:

  • Albright, Madeleine (no source date given)
  • Bush, Keith (no source date given)
  • Clinton, Bill (no source date given)
  • Simes, Dimitri (no source date given)
  • (c) 1999, Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.