Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, one of the great political personalities of the 21st century, through him, modern Russia has been a force in the resolution of the current geopolitical crisis. The managerial path he took from down-to-earth modest beginnings up to president of Russia has been full of power, resilience, and controversies. 

Early Life and Background (1952-1975)

Putin was born on October 7, 1952, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), USSR, into a middle-class family, his father was a factory foreman and a war veteran who fought during World War II, while his mother worked in a factory. Thus, Putin grew up in strong post-war recovery time in the Cold War history of the Soviet Union.

Putin was a sportsman during his studies at college, engaged mostly with judo, which he studied and applied in his professional announcements, so he earned a black belt during this time. In this way of denial to the self-discipline and competitive nature, he was gradually formed in his surroundings. He studied law at Leningrad State University and graduated in 1975, which was that time in which he became connected with service in the KGB, an intelligence and security agency in the Soviet Union.

KGB Career and Political Ascent (1975-1999)

Upon graduation, he joined the KGB but worked in foreign service. The mid-1980s was a time of service in Dresden, East Germany, where he saw the Berlin Wall collapse in 1989. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, his career in KGB ceased to exist, and he returned to his hometown: Saint-Petersburg.

After that, he entered the political arena and became advisor to Anatoly Sabchak, the mayor of Saint-Petersburg. His loyalty and efficiency were noticed by influential people from Moscow. He moved to the capital in 1996 in order to join president Boris Yeltsin's administration. 

As of year 1998, he became the aggressor of the Federal Security Service (FSB), successor to the KGB and Secretary of the Security Council of Russia. His background in intelligence and law enforcement proved useful in his career as a politician. 

Rise to Power: Prime Minister President (1999-2008)

Putin was appointed Prime Minister by President Boris Yeltsin in August 1999. By the end of that year, Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned, making Putin acting president. This acceleration in power thus caught many unawares but soon proved to be political genius. He won the presidency in March 2000, which marked the commencement of his long domination of Russia. 

His early years in Washington could see the attempts to stabilize Russia, which was influenced by both economical crisis of the 1990s and the consequences of the Chechnyan wars. He centralized power within the state, in terms of oligarchs, and thus restored a sort of order in the country. The government thereof were oriented toward the sort of economical affairs. For this reason and during his presidency, economic growth by the increase in oil and gas prices was observed.

In the chosen international discourse, Putin cast Russia as a resurgent global power. His rule became more autocratic at home. Undoubtedly, the state pursued dissent, controlled the media, and curtailed institutions of democracy. 

Shifting Roles: Prime Minister Again and Return to the Presidency (2008-Present)

Putin vacated the presidency in 2008 due to a restriction on a president serving two consecutive terms per the Russian constitution but he became Prime Minister upon appointment by President Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally. During this time, quite many theorised that Putin still possessed a substantial squeeze on politics in Russia.

The third presidential term of Putin was marked by increasing tensions with the West, especially regarding Ukraine, following his return to the presidency in 2012 amid protests over alleged electoral fraud. In 2014, Russia's annexation of Crimea led to international sanctions and a significant chill in relations with the West. However, much of the activity was supported within Russia, enhancing Putin's popularity.

Russia's foreign policy under Putin is known for its assertiveness. He is a key player in the Syrian Civil War, supporting the regime of Bashar Al-Assad, and has worked to increase Russian influence in the Middle East and Africa.

In 2018 Putin got re-elected for the fourth term, and in 2020 a referendum granted constitutional amendments that could allow him to remain in power until 2036. 

Controversies and Legacy 

Putin's reign is described by many controversies surrounding claims of electoral manipulation, human rights abuses, and the suppression of political opponents. His critics, both from outside and within Russia, accuse him of erecting an authoritarian regime stifling freedom of speech, assembly, and the press.

A specific scandal concerned the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny; it is generally accepted that the Russian security services were responsible for this. Numerous international accusations and criticisms have been aimed at persona non grata for conducting mass arrests and using violence against protesting citizens.

However, many Russians are inclined to view him as a stabilizing force-a leader who has restored pride and respectability to Russia after the chaos of the 1990s-while his image as a strong, decisive leader has garnered the support of significant portions of the Russian populace, even if such methods are questioned by the West. 

Conclusion 

The legacy of Vladimir Putin is really complex. He has presided over the transition of Russia from a flailing post-Soviet state to an empowered global political force. However, an increased authoritarianism with widespread corruption and high geopolitical tensions mar his rule. Discussions about how Putin will influence Russian politics and worldwide affairs will last for decades, but without a shadow of a doubt, Putin has left an indelible mark on the modern world.