Public Sentiment and Power Dynamics in Putin's Russia

This chapter examines the evolution of public sentiment in Russia under Putin, contrasting the chaos of the 1990s with today's political landscape marked by stability but growing skepticism. It discusses the fraying social contract between the government and citizens and how external conflicts are used to distract from domestic issues. Additionally, the chapter highlights the complexities of Putin’s leadership and the need for the West to craft effective strategies for engagement and containment.