Vladimir Putin is one of the most influential leaders in the world. He has been serving as the President of the Russian Federation since 2012. During this time, he has been able to consolidate his power and assert his authority over the entire country. He is also known for being highly controversial and often uses extreme tactics to achieve his goals. In this article, we will explore the leadership style of Vladimir Putin and outline some of the strategies he has employed over the years.
The Early Years
Vladimir Putin was born in Leningrad, USSR, in 1952. He attended the Leningrad State University and later joined the KGB, or the Committee for State Security. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, he joined the Russian federal government and quickly climbed the ranks until he became Prime Minister in 1999 and then President in 2000. Despite being in power for nearly two decades, Putin’s leadership style is still a subject of much debate.
Leadership Strategy
Whenever Putin assumes a position of authority, he employs a leadership style that emphasizes order, control and strength. He is often described as a “strongman” leader. Putin values loyalty and obedience and is known for taking a hard line when it comes to anyone who opposes his views. He also believes in centralized power, preferring it to be concentrated in the hands of himself and his inner circle.
Below are some of the key elements that make up Putin’s leadership strategy:
• Authority: Putin is an authoritarian leader, meaning he maintains strict control over his people and shuns anyone who criticizes or challenges his authority. He is also known for taking bold and decisive action in order to get his way.
• Nationalism: Putin is often criticized for being a nationalist leader. He fosters a sense of Russian nationalism and pride in order to gather support for his policies.
• Reversal of Privatization: Putin reversed some of the market reforms that were implemented during the 1990s. He has favored state-controlled industries and has favored large companies over small and medium businesses.
• Foreign Policy: Vladimir Putin has had a foreign policy of aggression. He has sought to expand Russia’s influence in the world by annexing territory, intervening in international disputes and advocating for the interests of Russian citizens.
• Domestic Suppression: Putin has also been known to use strong-arm tactics to suppress domestic opposition and maintain control over his people. He has been characterized as a “dictator” by some, due to his censorship, intimidation and manipulation of the media.
• Propaganda: Putin has employed propaganda to garner support for his policies and rally the Russian people behind him. He has used state-sponsored media outlets to communicate his message and further his political agenda.
Responses to Putin’s Leadership
The leadership style of Vladimir Putin has resulted in both praise and criticism from both inside and outside of Russia.
Supporters of Putin’s Approach
Putin’s supporters believe that he is a strong leader who is able to make tough decisions in the face of adversity. They believe that his policies have resulted in a stronger economy and better living conditions for the Russian people. Many of those who are on Putin’s side also allege that he has done a better job of controlling corruption and organized crime within Russia than his predecessors.
Those Against Putin’s Approach
Those who oppose Putin’s leadership style point to his authoritarianism and his suppression of freedom of expression as major flaws. They believe that his policies have only served to limit civil liberties and weaken Russia’s democratic institutions. Additionally, his foreign policy of aggression has been criticized by the international community for its disregard for the sovereignty of other nations.
Vladimir Putin has been in power in Russia for the past two decades. During this time, he has employed an autocratic style of leadership that emphasizes loyalty and order. Though it has been successful in some ways, it has been criticized for its disregard for civil liberties and its hostile stance towards other countries. Ultimately, the assessment of Putin’s leadership will depend on personal opinion and one’s primary priorities when it comes to policy making.
