Putin named Time Magazine's Person of the Year
December 19th 2007 20:29
When Vladimir Vladimorovich Putin took the helm as Russia's president, he was leading a country economically decimated by the fall of the Soviet Union and the subsequent devastations of "free market" capitalism. He will be leaving the presidency with a Russia that has re-established itself on the world stage and has seen robust economic growth. He also has rolled back some civil liberties and tightened controls on Russia's press. All by himself he is both Russia's "good cop" and it's bad.
Therein lies the danger of rapidly expanding executive power. It can resemble the "box of chocolates" of Forrest Gump. You never know what leader you will get. In Russia's case Putin has been very beneficial to most Russians, presiding over rapid economic growth and increasing world stature. But you can just as easily get someone like George W. Bush. Once the power is given, it's hard to take back. Of course, there are myriad differences between the Russian and American experiences with expanded executive power, but the illustration given does provide food for thought.
Perhaps the most striking difference between the experiences of Russia and America when it comes to the expansion of executive power is the measured support of the people. While Putin enjoys wide support across the board, Bush is regarded by most Americans as a very lame duck, striving to salvage anything positive from his dismal presidency. Putin is regarded as bringing Russia back from the brink of total economic chaos. In fact, all of the positives given to Mr. Putin are opposites to the Bush legacy.
Putin has fought rampant corruption, Bush has seen it grow in leaps and bounds. Putin has strengthened his economy, while Bush has undercut the American economy. Putin's government has paid off it's debt, Bush has caused America's to skyrocket. Putin has increased Russia's stature in the international community, Mr Bush...well, you get the point.
The dangerous side of Mr. Putin's rise is that he is not all that concerned with civil liberties and/or a free press. While I would argue that he is not nearly as tyrannical as portrayed by much of the western media, he has consolidated power and suppressed opposition to dangerous levels. And as I pointed out earlier, no matter how good for the country a shift to more authoritarian style leadership might be in the short run, without ending it once reforms are over, the outcome will not be good. Putin has indicated he will become prime minister after his current term as president ends. He fully intends to be very much a part of the Russian government. He needs to use his time wisely, and help to bring checks and balances into play that will allow Russia to become fully democratic while keeping his country moving forward.
The problem, of course, is that he most likely won't do that. The Russian people have chosen stability over some freedoms. And as bad as Russia was after the fall of the Soviet Union, it is understandable, especially since they have a leader who has done so well by them. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has done exceptional things for Russia. Now, he must do the extraordinary. He must ensure that his legacy will not just be a stronger and richer Russia, but also one that is more free.
Therein lies the danger of rapidly expanding executive power. It can resemble the "box of chocolates" of Forrest Gump. You never know what leader you will get. In Russia's case Putin has been very beneficial to most Russians, presiding over rapid economic growth and increasing world stature. But you can just as easily get someone like George W. Bush. Once the power is given, it's hard to take back. Of course, there are myriad differences between the Russian and American experiences with expanded executive power, but the illustration given does provide food for thought.
Perhaps the most striking difference between the experiences of Russia and America when it comes to the expansion of executive power is the measured support of the people. While Putin enjoys wide support across the board, Bush is regarded by most Americans as a very lame duck, striving to salvage anything positive from his dismal presidency. Putin is regarded as bringing Russia back from the brink of total economic chaos. In fact, all of the positives given to Mr. Putin are opposites to the Bush legacy.
V. V. Putin
Putin has fought rampant corruption, Bush has seen it grow in leaps and bounds. Putin has strengthened his economy, while Bush has undercut the American economy. Putin's government has paid off it's debt, Bush has caused America's to skyrocket. Putin has increased Russia's stature in the international community, Mr Bush...well, you get the point.
The dangerous side of Mr. Putin's rise is that he is not all that concerned with civil liberties and/or a free press. While I would argue that he is not nearly as tyrannical as portrayed by much of the western media, he has consolidated power and suppressed opposition to dangerous levels. And as I pointed out earlier, no matter how good for the country a shift to more authoritarian style leadership might be in the short run, without ending it once reforms are over, the outcome will not be good. Putin has indicated he will become prime minister after his current term as president ends. He fully intends to be very much a part of the Russian government. He needs to use his time wisely, and help to bring checks and balances into play that will allow Russia to become fully democratic while keeping his country moving forward.
The problem, of course, is that he most likely won't do that. The Russian people have chosen stability over some freedoms. And as bad as Russia was after the fall of the Soviet Union, it is understandable, especially since they have a leader who has done so well by them. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has done exceptional things for Russia. Now, he must do the extraordinary. He must ensure that his legacy will not just be a stronger and richer Russia, but also one that is more free.
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