The Intelligence from The Economist Hitting a Vlad patch: 20 years of Putin
May 7, 2020
Arkady Ostrovsky, the Russia editor for The Economist and expert on Russian politics, shares keen insights on Vladimir Putin's 20-year rule. He discusses how plunging oil prices and the pandemic challenge Putin's grip on power amid rising public dissatisfaction. Ostrovsky highlights the contrasting trajectories of major tech firms versus struggling startups in the crisis. He also explores music as a form of escapism during tough times, drawing parallels to past economic hardships. The conversation weaves together themes of authority, resilience, and cultural expression.
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Putin's Declining Popularity
- Vladimir Putin's popularity among Russians had started declining before the COVID-19 pandemic.
- This decline is due to his aggressive foreign policy and suppression of domestic freedoms.
Putin's Unexpected Reign
- Initially, Vladimir Putin wasn't expected to remain in power for an extended period.
- However, he has since evolved into an aging autocrat who controls most of Russia's assets.
Putin's COVID-19 Response
- Putin initially downplayed the coronavirus threat and was absent from public view.
- When he did appear, he declared a holiday, which led to people gathering, worsening the situation.