Putin's Power Play: Flexing Strength or Exposing Weakness?
Vladimir Putin's recent actions, including the deaths of his opponents, raise questions about the strength of his regime.
Putin's Displays of Power
Recent events, such as the deaths of Alexey Navalny and the defected pilot, suggest that Putin is flexing his power and asserting his authority. These displays of strength come as Russia celebrates military victories and the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Avdiivka.
However, experts argue that Putin's bold shows of force actually reveal the inherent weakness of his personalistic regime. In order to maintain a cult of personality and keep all power in his hands, Putin relies heavily on force and coercion. This style of government, while seemingly strong, is fundamentally weak.
Matthew Schmidt, an assistant professor of national security and political science, explains that maintaining a cult of personality requires a lot of force, even if the person in power is a strongman. Putin's actions may be a sign of his attempt to preserve an illusion of total power.
Crackdown on Opposition
The deaths of Navalny and the pilot fit into Putin's playbook of repression and maintaining the illusion of control. Despite being labeled as a crackdown, such actions are a constant feature of Putin's regime.
Navalny, who posed a significant threat to Putin's regime by exposing corruption and organizing protests, represented a major challenge to the Russian president. Although the details surrounding Navalny's death remain unclear, experts believe that the Kremlin is ultimately responsible for his demise.
Simon Miles, an assistant professor and historian, argues that the fact that a person locked up in the gulag is perceived as a threat to Putin's regime highlights the president's vulnerability. The use of coercive power to extinguish potential opposition reveals a weakness rather than an impressive form of power.
Putin's Weakness Exposed
Navalny's death is seen by experts as a message to other opposition leaders, especially as Putin prepares for an upcoming presidential election. While Putin's ability to arrest and eliminate threats may seem like a display of strength, it also signifies his vulnerability.
Matthew Schmidt explains that the ability to visit terror upon others might be a form of strength, but it is a strength that will eventually turn on the person wielding it. The mourning for Navalny and growing wartime resentment among Russian citizens indicate that Putin's control is not foolproof.
However, some critics argue that viewing Navalny's death as a sign of weakness underestimates Putin's confidence. Robert English, a professor who studies Russia, believes that Putin's actions demonstrate his lack of fear for international backlash and his perceived invincibility.
