A political transformation
Putin’s figure has undergone a significant transformation since the events of the 1990s. In this era, his political essence was forged under the shadow of Boris Yeltsin, a period when the West supported his actions amid of political and social chaos.
At the time, his performance was seen as a salutary act to prevent Russia from taking an unwanted path. However, this intervention involved the suppression of political opposition and other actions that generated controversy.
Repercussions of Yeltsin’s actions
The measures taken by Yeltsin, such as mass privatization and other ultra-liberal policies, left a legacy that influenced the birth of the figure of Vladimir Putin. This situation marked a turning point in the West’s perception of Russia and contributed to the consolidation of Putin’s power.
The rise of Putin
Vladimir Putin emerged in a context of economic chaos and national crisis, such as that of Chechnya, after the collapse of the USSR. With a career marked by his involvement in the Soviet intelligence services, he became Yeltsin’s successor in 1999.
Western support for his presidency was significant, even more so than that received by Yeltsin. This transition marked a change in the perception of Russia by the West and contributed to the consolidation of Putin’s power.
The current perception of Russia and Putin
Since 2007, the West’s relationship with Russia has undergone significant changes, with a distorted perception that has generated mistrust and distance. This situation has been influenced by geopolitical, economic and cultural issues, as well as the management of conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and other issues related to human rights and freedoms.
Russia’s resurgence as a world power has generated tensions and revived the image of the Russian bear, causing a change in the West’s perception of the country and its most prominent political figure, Vladimir Putin.