The importance of having a benevolent leader who is striving hard to bring the best for the country may diminish in the long term as every leader believes they know what is best. Refreshing the leadership may be necessary for the growth of the country.
US diplomats warned since the 90s that the policy of moving to integrate Ukraine into the NATO command was reckless and provocative, leading Russia to adhere to its red line of no NATO membership for Ukraine and Georgia. Despite objections from the Russians, the US and NATO continued their efforts and induced Russia to adopt shock therapy, leading to devastating effects on their economy and society.
Putin's grip on power in Russia has ushered in an era of cruelty and inequality, with the country's vast economy leveraged to benefit himself and oligarchs.
The guest speaker discusses Putin's speech style, characterizing him as different from other world leaders. While not overly educated, Putin's conviction in what he says appeals to Russians' affinity for strong leadership.
The podcast delves into an overall assessment of Vladimir Putin as a leader over the last 20 plus years. The discussion evaluates the good and bad aspects of his presidency, including his achievements, such as stabilizing the Russian economy, and the catastrophic event of the war in Chechnya.
The strong opposition towards Putin's alleged corruption shows that people in Russia have access to information and are starting to speak up.