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At Large
The Emperor Returns
Tsar Vladimir has big plans for himself, his country, and its neighbors.
It took very little time for former (soon-to-be-once-again) Russian president Vladimir V. Putin to set the tone for his expected next twelve years of rule. Although it had been discussed before in the press, and certainly is not a new idea, Putin chose to introduce as his initial foreign policy statement the creation of a union with Russia of two former Soviet republics — Belarus and Kazakhstan. This step is conveniently characterized as strictly economic in intent and provides the basis for what Putin referred to as a “Eurasian Union.”
However, there has been no attempt to hide the broader ambition of this union. Putin openly suggested “new partners” would be welcomed. The image was drawn of a gathering of other countries, presumably the “near neighbors,” into something akin to the European Union. Even a common currency was mooted. At the same time, Putin’s article in Izvestia introducing his new theme made a point of stating, “There is no talk of re-forming the USSR.” If that’s the case, what is this new entity going to be?
The answer to that question has yet to be given — by anyone. It is clear, however, that soon-to-be President Putin intends to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution in 2017 at the least with an expanded customs union that has the force — if not the political fact — of a return of the Russian imperial dream. And that is a geo-strategic issue with which not only Europe and the United States will have to deal, but also China and the not distant Middle Eastern states.
While the new/old Putin/Medvedev tandem will swear there is no intention of resuscitating Cold War conflicts with the West, the potential exists for at least vigorous political and economic competition. Putin needs to stimulate the Russian body politic to enthusiastically support his return as the clear national leader and guide. The time for ambiguity is past. The Russian instinct to follow “the strongman” is counted on by Vladimir Putin to give support to the suggested union of Eurasian states as a return to the perceived political power and international influence of Russia’s past.
The question exists whether the objects of Russia’s — and Putin’s — affection will be as eager to share this expectation. Previous efforts at reducing trade barriers with Kazakhstan reportedly have driven up internal Kazakh energy and food costs. This of course is denied by pro-union elements in Moscow and Astana. There is money to be made in the expected increase in trade by the new union, but it will be the commercial insiders who will be the big winners. The argument is put forward as usual about a rising tide floating all boats. The local wags note that those are usually yachts owned by the already favored.
What hasn’t received much attention is the plan announced by Medvedev last March of the creation of a Russian Silicon Valley project outside of Moscow in Skolkovo. The pressure is on the Russian scientific and technological community to come up with breakthroughs in the world of commercial science. Putin is known to be fully behind this effort and expects it to be “bird dogged” personally by Medvedev when he again assumes his old role as PM. Attractive offers already have been circulating among expat Russian technical experts to return home to participate in what is touted to be this first major scale post-Soviet enterprise.
Part of Vladimir Putin’s vision of his next go-round as president is to put Russia in the forefront of commercial scientific and technological product design. To this end Russian foreign intelligence will have increased its industrial espionage activities in Europe, Japan and the United States. Russia is well aware of the advances that China has already made through its industrial spying operations. Naturally the Russian military establishment is expected to reap ancillary benefits, but the real objective is to gain recognition and profits for Russian civilian technology and, equally important, Putin’s own status as a modern innovative leader — with little Dimi’s aid, of course.
No Western leader has arisen as a major individual factor in world affairs. Nor has China pushed forward one of its own as a predominant star. As Putin sees it, the way is open for him to establish himself — and Russia with him — in the next twelve years as the leading actor on the global stage.
It is clear that Vladimir Putin is on the path to create a lasting legacy as a modern type of Russian Czar — even though that term is never used. As one veteran Moscow journalist put it in whispered confidentiality: “Vladimir Vladimirovich wants to be emperor — emperor of something, anything. Forget about looking for a more complicated motive.”
About the Author
George H. Wittman writes a weekly column on international affairs for The American Spectator online. He was the founding chairman of the National Institute for Public Policy.
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Timothy L. Pennell| 10.14.11 @ 6:50AM
Where do ya start?
Putin, is Napoleon. He shares the same "Short Guy" complex, that the other Little Emperor, had. So, he needs to look BIG. Like the little guy, on Family Guy, whose always asking people: "Ya wanna fight about it?"
Russia is like a Junk Yard. They have nothing, new. Just junk. Their Submarines are always sinking. Their Planes are always crashing. Their men are always drunk. And, most importantly, their MATERNTY WARDS are always EMPTY.
Yet, Putin's vision is to put Russia in the forefront of Commercial Scientific and Technological Product Design.
I ask you: Would you buy a car, from this man?
Putin wants to be Emperor of something. ANYTHING. And he will be.
He will be the Emperor of a DYING NATION. One that cannot sustain their Population Numbers, does not MAKE anything that anybody wants, and will not, EVER, come to grips with the fact that: Those days are over.
He will be akin to the Emperor of Rome, as the Visigoths breached the gates.
Everything dies. Even a dump hole, trouble making, Hellhole of a Country, like Russia.
She will not be missed.
Mike D.| 10.14.11 @ 7:36AM
He is a Russian Imperial Czar, the emperor of Russia. Russians have always been the followers of the strong man, its in their history and its inbred. In reality, he's a corrupt thug. Nothing more or less. But then again, what are most so called leaders, corrupt thugs or corrupt politicians, so whats new.
Bob K.| 10.14.11 @ 7:55AM
Nothing has changed.
Russia has always ruled over the little russias, one way or another, and it always will. And it will always extend it's hegemony to control the nations and cultures on it' s southern border.
All Russian Leaders have done this. It is part of Russia's history and in their blood. It was Stalin's first concern at Yalta and he got what he wanted from Roosevelt there. No Russian leader would last long without understanding and undertaking this policy.
Mike D.| 10.14.11 @ 8:23AM
This guy has the cold evil stare look down pat. He is one ruthless, cold as ice, dead serious, take no prisoners prototype Russian strongman. I don't think any mafioso Don could give a better death stare than this guy.
Seek| 10.14.11 @ 12:20PM
Empty maternity wards? Not quite. Russia's birth rate, spurred by Putin's "baby bonus" subsidy, has been rising substantially over the last several years. In fact, it already had bottomed out around 2000. Russia's going to be around for a long time, whether or not its birth rate approaches that advocated by the ridiculous "quiverfull" movement here in the U.S.
Herb| 10.14.11 @ 6:51AM
So much for the "Russian Spring".
Boris Yeltsin is missed. Overweight. out of shape, but a true democrat. Polar opposite of the ultrafit Putin, in every conceivable way.
Melvin| 10.14.11 @ 8:10AM
My wife and I were discussing my favorite subject of politics one morning over coffee, and as she went to the kitchen for another cup, she sighed and and made the comment to put emphasis on the sigh, "Maybe the Philippines can't handle Democracy."
This on the outside might be the reason that Putin has grown and flourished. As long as anyone can remember there has always been, "One Guy," running the show in Russia.
thecrow | 10.14.11 @ 8:16AM
http://michaelfury.wordpress.c.....agreement/
Ivan Ivanovich| 10.14.11 @ 8:21AM
You anti-Putin people are just like those clowns down on wall street. Meanwhile everything you say applies to Obama.
Mike D.| 10.14.11 @ 8:28AM
Describing Putin as what he is isn't "anti" anything.
He's ex-KBG, you don't get to the upper echelons of the KGB being a nice guy. He is what he is. A lot of Russians like this person, but then again they are going to get him whether they like him or not.
Mike D.| 10.14.11 @ 9:16AM
Not quite everything. Putin if he's anything is a Russian Imperial Nationalist to the core. He's Russian, believes in Russia(or at least his version of it) and seems to love everything Russian. The despicable poser in the White House despises everything about the country he is President of. He hates the system we have, hates the things we stand for and hate those who want to maintain and keep the traditions we have. THATS a huge difference. Do both want to do things their way, yeah, similar.
tdiinva| 10.14.11 @ 9:47AM
Comrade Ivan:
Q: What's the difference between Putin and Obama?
A: Putin is not a Communist.
Mike D.| 10.14.11 @ 10:07AM
Putin is historically astute. He's sees the post USA world(where we are headed) and he wants a big Russian slice of it. He's not stupid. When the big boy on the block is vaporizing and self-destructing, the others look to carve their shares out of the leftovers. Nothing new, just history being replayed over and over. When there is a vacuum, something or somebody comes in to fill the space. Those around the world see where we are headed, its not genius to make a play for a grab and a leading role in whats comes next and after.
Mike D.| 10.14.11 @ 10:18AM
He also has China to deal with in the long run and they ARE going to bump heads. They have historically and they will again. Russia is not just a European country, its as asian as China is and they will conflict spheres of interest in due time.
Wayne| 10.16.11 @ 5:42PM
Putin actually looks out for the self interest of Russia, and Obama could care less.
hardcard| 10.14.11 @ 9:21AM
Maybe putin's plans have energized our commie/progs. The BIG boss is back. Down with the CAPITALIST PIGS !!! Again, the roachs are coming out of the woodwork.
POST American| 10.14.11 @ 9:58AM
"You will soon be hearing that communism
is dead. DON'T believe it."
-Mikhail Gorbachev
1990
Globalism's RED China sellout, TREASON
and EUGENICS world OP ---northern front.
cicero| 10.14.11 @ 10:56AM
Putin, like the Communist Party, and the Romanovs, are intent on ruling over whatever is there. The people of Russia have no history of anything other than chaos, monarchy, aristocracy, and political arisocracy. Like China, the people have no history of freedom. As a result, they will never really be a economic threat to a FREE western civilization. Without freedom, they lack the creativity to bring forth innovative concepts.
Both China and Russia, if they continue on the current path, will put forth leaders who will preside over dying civilizations. Wee have to be careful that we don't give up our precious gift of freedom, (spawned and fostered by the Judeo-Christian philosophy), and follow their lead.
Big Tony| 10.14.11 @ 11:30AM
What FREE western civilization are you refering to? When 70 + percent of what I make and spend ends up in government coffers and every dollar I save ends up inflated to near worthlessness thru the expansion of the money supply by the Federal Reserve, that aint freedom it's serfdom!
Seek| 10.14.11 @ 12:14PM
70% taxation? What income bracket are you in, Tony? The actual composite tax -- federal, state and local -- is half that.
Will| 10.14.11 @ 1:55PM
The imaginary bracket of right-wing outrage
Big Tony| 10.14.11 @ 4:03PM
OK let do a little addition 15% FICA if you are self employed. 28% Federal 6% State Tax, My property taxes are 9% of my Net. So far we are at 58%. If I spend any of the money I allowed to keep 7% sales tax 3% if it's food so now we are looking at 65%.
So just who do you think pays corporate tax on your phone, electric use, gasoline and the food you eat? Here's a hint it's not the Corp. it's the customers. Who pays property tax on Wal-Mart stores? Again it's the customers. And who pays the 7.5% FICA tax on all those employee's of Wal-Mart, Exxon, ADM and the Power Company? Again that cost is passed to the customer. These taxes may be hidden but if you buy any product that Wal-Mart sells you also pay those taxes for the producer. Then we have excise tax on phones and tires. Import taxes and fuel highway taxes. Sin taxes if you buy alcohol or tobacco. Driving, Fishing and Hunting TAX oh excuse me, I mean License. All these taxes I'm sure add up to way over the +5%. I estimate these taxes to be somewhat near 10%-15% of the cost of everything I purchase. But if it's only 5% (and that's where I get my 70% figure) tha would easily push me into the +70% range. I didn't say my personal taxation was 70%, I said 70% of the money I make or spend ends up in government coffers .
And while not every single dollar is taxed at that level thru direct or hidden taxes because of income tax bracketing and deductions or because some of the money goes to pay interest on thing already purchased like the building material for my house, way too many of them are.
Moe Blotz| 10.14.11 @ 7:18PM
Dittos Big Tony, the lefties and many of the great unwashed do not see all the taxes you mentioned because they are not right in front of them. How many months do youse have to work to meet your tax obligations? Tax freedom day is later every year as covered in a previous Spectator issue. I had to pay 12% excise tax on a 2006 Peterbilt six years ago: $14,400. I could not afford a new big truck today.
J.C.Eaton| 10.14.11 @ 11:33AM
Cicero, very nicely played. You wrote what I'm thinking. I'd only add: Don't feel sorry for the Russians; feel sorry for everyone the Russian leadership will go beyond their boundaries to hurt. True, the country is dying. Alcoholism, mass despondency, failure to sustain their population, all of that and more. One can hardly blame them . During the Tsarist regimes, they chained their serfs to ovens for YEARS at a time, stole from their own people when they weren't actually murdering them. Then "Old Joe" starved 30 million to death. But the way the people see it;those were the "good old days."The place has it's beauty[see: St. Petersburg] but lord, what a price to pay for it. In all events, this kleptocraticy may be dying, but like a dragon thrashing around in its' death struggle, it's going to inflict a bunch of collateral damage.
charles794| 10.15.11 @ 2:57AM
"Without freedom, they lack the creativity to bring forth innovative concepts."
Beg to differ: under Mr. Hitler, Germany was anything but free, but my, what an upwelling of creativity! Mainly army oriented, agree, but still, aircraft, vehicles, electrical gadgets, communication, mass manufacturing methods, rockets, etc.
Observer| 10.15.11 @ 7:20AM
It's so funny to read your comment. China has 4000 years history. The Chinese had banks, took credits hundred years before Christ. When your European ancestors dressed ultra-fashionably fells, the Chinese had have civilization. The same thing with Russia. So I don't think that Americans who have insignificant 400 years of state history can teach ancient nations how to live. Americans are like babies: they now everything better then their eastern "parents" (I say so, because everyone who has a minimum of education knows that the civilization was born in the East). And eastern countries - Russia, China, Persia - look at their "child" and laugh: how pretty but silly it is! Baby-America is full of energy, full of dreams. It walks in the house (our planet) and does everything it wants, because it doesn't think about consequences. Babies doesn't think about consequences. Baby-America invades the pantry (Iraq) and steals "candies" from there. Baby-America walks over the house and removes the furniture how it has to be! But when Baby-America makes to much mess, parents stop it. They will spank their restless baby and change its dirty pampers.
Mike D.| 10.15.11 @ 9:14AM
That right there is the most assinine and convoluted take on history I have ever read anywhere. Where in the fuck do you work? In some day care center?
Marko| 10.14.11 @ 1:34PM
What gives a nation strength and "staying power" in the currents of history? Is it solely the fact that they are living in Freedom? Freedom is nice, but it is an aberration in history. War, disease, tyranny, inequality, empire and anarchy - these are the currency of living in most of humanity's time here on earth.
When the American Experiment was embarked upon, was it freedom, and freedom alone, that was expected to carry us forward as a lasting empire? No; that political and economic freedom we enjoy must be based on something permanent and strong. What is the foundation upon which our freedoms rest? Think about that.
If that foundation is weakened and crumbling (and I believe it is), what will keep the edifice from crumbling along with it? We can put new paint on the walls and mow the lawn and do other cosmetic things to look as strong and fresh as ever, and innovate the above-ground structure all we want, but without a foundation, it will crumble when a storm hits.
The old yearnings of empire in places like Russia and China have not been burned away by some supposed "taste" of freedom and capitalism. What victory has really been won in the Cold War? What fools we are to think that we have nothing to fear from the East. We party and dance and call war a silly thing, and let our weapons fall into disrepair, while the armed barbarians laugh in the shadows, waiting for their day, which rapidly approaches.
There are empires who will use the nuclear weapons they have built, not because they are jealous of our freedoms, but because they are warriors, and have the weapons to maintain their empires, and have no compunction about using them. At some point, the Twilight of the West will turn to Night, unless we somehow find a way to foil the plans of those who would destroy us (and I'm not talking about Islam, although it has it's part to play).
We are the ones in a "death struggle", but we have convinced ourselves of exactly the opposite. Not a good place to be, strategically, is it?
Mike D.| 10.14.11 @ 2:25PM
Nope, but its the fate of the historically ignorant, as we are. You are correct, the barbarians day is fast approaching and millions will pay the usual price in blood.
KyMouse| 10.14.11 @ 2:42PM
My first trip to the USSR was in the summer of 1990, when things were falling apart. Many people were excited about the changes that the believed democracy would bring, but others told us, "What we need now is another Stalin."
cicero| 10.14.11 @ 3:57PM
Western freedom evolved and is based upn the concept of the inherent worth of the individual. That is what made the Greeks different from the Persions. That is what made the Roman citizen diferent from the Carthiginian. That is the concept that the Jews and the Christians brought to the table. We, as Greeks, Roman citizens, children of the one God, have inherent worth as individuals, not a s just members of a group. That is what gives every individual self worth.
As an individual, you have the inherent freeddom (best ultimately codified in the U.S Declaration of Independance), to seek life liberty and the pursuit of happiness (private wealth).
We could go on all day on this theme, but this is not the format. You get the idea.
Marko| 10.14.11 @ 4:25PM
Cicero:
Yes, but....
Isn't there something central to Christianity that denies the self /individualism? That is why Ayn Rand's philosophy is anti-Christian - it worships self and places that concept above God.
There is an inherent worth in an individual, yes. But that worth is not an end to itself. The worth comes from the view that we are created beings, made in the image of our Creator, and that in honor to Him we value all that is created. Nothing in creation should be elevated to the level of the Creator - that is idolatry.
I believe it is this view of humanity that provides the strongest basis for resisting tyranny - the knowledge that if one is in proper relationship with one's Creator, well, they can kill the body but they can't kill the soul. That kind of knowledge creates the greatest impetus for laughing in the face of evil. And evil hates it when you do that.....
Evgeny| 10.14.11 @ 6:09PM
How does your brain washed
Evgeny| 10.14.11 @ 6:12PM
USA=USSR
Your future is the fate of the USSR
Naturalborn Texicanette| 10.14.11 @ 7:00PM
Answer to AARP....
http://www.amac.us/amac-was-fo.....to-aarp-2/
Moe Blotz| 10.14.11 @ 7:31PM
Vladimir must be Putin us on about wanting to lead the rest of the world in commercial science and technology. Build the industrial estate and "they" will come,what? What is Vlad the magnificent going to do,chain all his best and brightest to test benches and computers until they develop what he wants? The Chicoms and Russkies can try to steal all the technology possible to improve what they have, but free people are the ones who innovate and lead.
POST American| 10.15.11 @ 3:30AM
"The world they (ie the USURY and
'Heir--is--TOXIC--rats' capstone) ARE bringing in
has the mass being ruled by a kind of
'SO--shall--ALL--ism' with a fascism among
the EEL-eat."
-ALAN WATT
(essential online coverage of the CON)
Understand, 'So--shall--ALL--ism' or, better
yet, 'Marks-ism' is the dream and fetish of
the 'counting class'.
It's EUGENICS, an outgrowth of USURY,
pure and simple.
It's the 'idiot-logical' end game of
monetization ---which is itself the
psychopathic transformation of
man and the universe into numbers.
------------------------TAKE HEED
Bear| 10.15.11 @ 8:16AM
Franklin Roosevelt corrected America four presidential terms. Than Roosevelt not the emperor?
Ground Control| 10.15.11 @ 11:09AM
"Part of Vladimir Putin's vision of his next go-round as president is to put Russia in the forefront of commercial scientific and technological product design. To this end Russian foreign intelligence will have increased its industrial espionage activities in Europe, Japan and the United States. Russia is well aware of the advances that China has already made through its industrial spying operations."
Interesting that the big socialist nations seeking international respect and economic dominion have to steal their technology from the USA and Japan to achieve those things. It is precisely because we are free (including free to reap the rewards of one's own work, a freedom under attack by President Bozo and his handlers) that the USA and Japan lead the world in industry and technology. It is because of the un-free, restrictive, confiscatory systems of the Socialist Nations that they are behind and envious. Rather than reform, they steal. But this is natural, since such grand tyrannies as the former USSR (and presumably its replacement under Putin) and Communist China are founded and continued on the egos of their grand leaders, not on any actual social or political "principles." Our goal is to succeed and freedom is the path to succcess. Their goal is to rule and freedom is an obstruction to that end, an obstruction to be eliminated with extreme prejudice. And of course, instead of fostering more success, our own government, under the Democrats' rule, seeks to emulate the failures of the socialists, and for the same reasons: power, prestige, money, ego.
The Bruce| 10.16.11 @ 10:47PM
Imagine a person that just got done serving a 70 year prison sentence. Now imagine a person being liberated after a 70 year rule under a total police state.
Same thing. Long term prison inmates become "institutionalized." They can no long think for themselves, and even though they "want" to be free, they can't handle the freedom and look for ways (committing crime) in order to get thrown back into the "order" that they've become accustomed.
The Russian people, sadly, had become completely institutionalized and are more than willing to live under a police state and allow someone else to determine the course of their individual lives.
POST American| 10.18.11 @ 12:43AM
"---This 'new' Russia resembles
nothing so much as a giant collapsed
America. For all its cruelty and barbarism
one must prefer the old Russia ---because
it did, undeniably, have its streak of
splendor. --A streak of splendor redeems
it all."
-D H Lawrence
letters 1922
DO the background on PRE revolutionary
Russia.
2 autmobile companies, an aeronautics
industry (producing the largest aircraft of
its time), rapidly developing industry
on almost every front-----and NO private
USURY mongering central banking.
IN FACT, England's George the fifth and
Edward the seventh BOTH deeply envied
the Tsar his wealth.
----ER, the London and New York capstone
later 'CORE---rected' that situation with one
of their first, 20th century 'solutions'.