Vladimir Putin – from autocracy to dictatorship (version 2)

april 8, 2022 admin

Note: This short essay (an assignment in a course about Russian History) was written before the Russian invasion of the Ukraine

The Rise of Putin: From Oligarchic Support to Autocratic Rule

Vladimir Putin portret — Kremlin.ru, Vladimir Putin June 2016, CC BY 4.0

When Vladimir Putin emerged as the paramount force within the realms of Russia, it was upon the shoulders of the oligarchs, the nouveau riche of the post-communist era, that he ascended. As time spiralled forward, these once-powerful allies metamorphosed into Putin’s most vociferous critics and potent threats. Consequently, many of these titans of industry and wealth found themselves coerced into exile, their accumulated fortunes a mere remnant of their once dubious wealth. Their vacated seats of power and influence were hastily filled with Putin’s chosen and trusted oligarchs, establishing a new order of wealth and power.

The Evolution of Russian Governance under Putin

Recently, an unnerving shift has been discernible within the corridors of Russian governance. What once was a system veiled by the trappings of autocracy now treads ever-closer to a barefaced dictatorship. Putin, who has carved his name into history as the second-longest serving European president, seems cemented in his role. The alternative would be to topple the precarious edifice of oligarchic corruption that sustains his rule.

Economic Growth and Media Control in Putin’s Russia

During Putin’s initial presidential term, the Russian economy surged, witnessing eight consecutive years of growth. There was an impressive 72% increase in GDP measured by purchasing power, incomes doubled, wages tripled, and poverty halved. Simultaneously, the Russian public’s self-perceived quality of life saw a marked improvement. Amid this perceived prosperity, the government’s grip on media tightened, controlling narratives broadcast on television, radio, and print.

Rising Discontent and Opposition in Modern Russia

Of late, however, discontent brews within the citizenry, disillusioned by rampant corruption and economic mismanagement. The burgeoning opposition is utilising the boundless reach of the internet, particularly YouTube, to inform and mobilise the masses. Navalny’s expose on ‘Putin’s Palace’ exemplifies this new media strategy, attracting an international audience. Navalny himself, Russia’s most renowned political prisoner, was honoured with the European Parliament’s Sakharov prize for freedom of speech earlier this year.

Government Repression and Internet Censorship in Putin’s Russia

In response to this swelling wave of dissent, the government has resorted to repressive tactics, stifling protests and sabotaging the opposition’s digital communications. A ‘sovereign internet law’, signed by Putin in 2019, mandates Russian internet providers to install hardware that empowers the state to filter and obstruct specific websites.

The Transformation from Consent-Driven Autocracy to Fear-Driven Dictatorship

This once consent-driven autocracy, upheld by the twin pillars of propaganda and co-option, now mirrors a dictatorship maintained by fear and repression. The political landscape echoes the upheaval that displaced the original oligarchs, but this time, it’s the journalists and political opponents who find themselves exiled. The result: a political exodus unparalleled since the era of the Soviet Union in the 1970s.

Putin’s Legacy: Constitutional Manipulation and Repression

Yet, this regime lacks the monolithic foundation of ideology or personality cult. It appears more as a patchwork of strategies, all intended to maintain a slipping grasp on power, despite dwindling popularity and legitimacy. Putin has manipulated the constitution to extend his rule indefinitely, enforcing this audacious gambit with further repression.

The Uncertain Future of Putin’s Russia

Though the future remains murky, some draw hope from the reality that Putin’s system may not survive its architect. Human rights activists, democrats, and a younger generation yearn for a government that honours democratic principles and human rights. As Professor Emeritus Peter Kenez observed, ‘Russia under Putin was a dangerous place for opponents and journalists.’ This new epoch of repression merely reaffirms this bleak truth. In this current Russian state, it isn’t the rule of law that prevails, but rather the law of the ruler.

Sources:

Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Putin