Like Russia itself, its president, Vladimir Putin, has always been something of an enigma. Numerous theories have been posited, for example, as to his real reasons for invading Ukraine, and for his refusal to consider any compromise that might lead to an end of the war.

His stated purposes — to reclaim what he considers to be historically Russian territory, to “rescue” the people of Ukraine from an allegedly tyrannical “Nazi” regime, etc. — don’t hold water. More believable is that he is attempting to hold onto power and secure his legacy by proving his ability to elevate Russia’s political and economic standing on the world stage, and to re-create — if not the Soviet Union — then some version of the former Russian Empire.

But as for his continuing to reiterate the same outrageous demands, and his efforts to project responsibility for the war onto his victim Ukraine, the answer may be simpler. With astonishing prescience, American political scientist, economist, and international relations scholar Francis Fukuyama wrote in an article published shortly after the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, that Putin’s rule over Russia would not survive a military defeat:

“He gets support because he is perceived to be a strongman; what does he have to offer once he demonstrates incompetence and is stripped of his coercive power?”

– Francis Fukuyama, “American Purpose,” c. March 2022.

Simply put, Vladimir Putin is desperate to hold onto his job. And isn’t that, in the long run, where all authoritarians end up?

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
9/6/26