To an observer in 2019, it may seem like Russia has always had – and will always have – an immutable interest in maintaining authoritarian control at home and imperial control abroad. According to this line of thinking, Russian President Vladimir Putin is merely the latest in a long line of Russian rulers to pursue his country’s natural priorities vigorously. The implications for the West are obvious. If Putin is simply drawing on the same playbook as any other Russian leader, the available responses are either accommodating his authoritarianism and expansionism or war—and no one wants war.
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Alexander Motyl: Putin may want to be an emperor
(FILES) In this file photo taken on Feb. 22, 2018 Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech before the gala in the Grand Kremlin Palace marking the Defender of the Fatherland Day in Moscow.
