Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.
Introduction
A president is expected to be bold and articulate, with great charisma and deep knowledge. However, each person who has held the office of President has brought a distinct style to it. These styles reflect the Presidents character, personality, and performance. A full range of leadership styles often include transactional, transformational, and laissez-faire behavior (van Eeden et al., 2008). According to van Eeden et al. (2008), a better leader exhibit each of the three styles to some degree. Similarly, people hold different opinions about which presidents deserve to be called great or failures. These opinions are influenced mainly by the Presidents strong vision, effective communication skills, courage to make unpopular decisions, crisis management, character, and integrity. President Putin is one example of a leader with an upbeat, active personality. Putin is an unpredictable leader who makes quick decisions without concessions, displaying strong leadership traits.
President Putin improved the lives of Russians following the collapse of the Soviet Union and provided some stability. Nonetheless, the President has led the country into conflict with some countries, including Georgia (2008), backed separatists in Ukraine (2014), and invaded Ukraine in 2022. According to many experts, Putins fixation on the past and his historical legacy are consuming many lives, wreaking havoc in Ukraine, and threatening Russias future (The Editorial Board, 2023). Nevertheless, Vladimir Putin has maintained that NATO is a threat and believes in no less than ending Western global domination. Putins actions have portrayed him as a quiet, unambitious executor, but he still has many supporters who see him as a role model. The paper evaluates President Putins background, rise to power, leadership style, and significant decisions that defined his presidency.
Background of President Putin
Family and Early Life
Vladimir Putin was raised in Leningrad, known as St. Petersburg today, since his birth on October 7, 1952. As a young man, Putin spent a lot of time in the streets of Leningrad, which was in bad shape after losing several people at the hands of a relentless Nazi siege (Singh, 2022). Putin became aggressive and jumped at any chance to brawl, but later found an outlet for that aggression by joining martial arts and wrestling clubs. Influenced by movies and books, the young Vladimir became interested in becoming a spy (Singh, 2022). He later married now his ex-wife Lyudmila Alexandrovna in 1983, with whom they had two daughters.
Education and Professional Background
In 1984, Putin got the breakthrough he had been waiting for and was sent to a spy school in Moscow. Since he was passionate about spying, Putin went to the Leningrad State University at a KGB recruiters suggestion. Soon after finishing, Vladimir entered the KBG, the leading security agency of the Soviet Union (Singh, 2022). However, he was disappointed when assigned to work in Dresden, Germany, to gather information about the West.
The Berlin Wall fell, marking the merging of East and West Germany while Putin was working in Dresden. It brought down everything he had been working for with it, forcing him to return to Leningrad with his young family (Singh, 2022). With the Soviet Union collapsing, Putin seized the opportunity to be involved in politics by working for the mayor of St. Petersburg. He headed the St. Petersburg committee for external relations and stayed in the government until 1996 (Hjelmgaard & Nemtsova, 2022). He was then called to Moscow, where he joined the presidential staff as deputy to Pavel Borodin. Putin grew close to those in power and moved up to administrative positions.
Influences
During the two decades (1999 -2008) of Putins presidency, he consolidated his rule and projected Russia as a global superpower. He turned Russia from an emerging democratic into an autocratic state, expanding the countrys influence in the Middle East and strengthening relations with China. Vladimir Putin has also demonstrated a willingness to employ force to achieve his objectives, as evidenced by the 2014 invasion of Crimea and the ruthless attack on Ukraine in 2022 (The Editorial Board, 2023). Besides, Putin has successfully controlled the use of media and suppressed freedom of expression for those opposing his presidency.
Rise to Power
While working in Moscow under Pavel Borodin, Vladimir rapidly charmed his superiors and climbed the ladders of power. He built an inner circle of influential allies before President Yeltsin made him head of the powerful and successful FSB agency that succeeded the KGB (Hjelmgaard & Nemtsova, 2022). Vladimir Putin was credited for modernizing the security apparatus to take on new threats like organized crime, corruption, and terrorism. President Yeltsin made Putin the Prime Minister, with his approval rating plummeting following years of erratic behavior (Malinova, 2022). After Yeltsins surprise resignation, Putin became President of Russia in 1999, rising from the head of security to become the most powerful man in the country (Hjelmgaard & Nemtsova, 2022). Putin first came to power through appointment as acting President but won the subsequent elections in 2000 and 2004 to retain his presidency (Hjelmgaard & Nemtsova, 2022). Therefore, Putin first rose to power through a democratic process.
The leader first sought power due to a public approval rating that soared after the fruitful military campaign against Chechnya separatist militants. Notably, Russians approved of Putin following years of President Yeltsins erratic behavior (Hjelmgaard & Nemtsova, 2022). Putin demonstrated coolness and decisiveness under pressure, which appealed to the public. It is possible to conclude that Putin sought power due to public approval and belief he could rebuild a weakened Russia. One of Putins key goals in vying for high office was eradicating corruption and establishing a tightly regulated market. However, Putins desire for power goes a long way back to the collapse of the communist Soviet Union. Vladimir Putin desired to establish a system based on a nationalistic force submissive to governmental institutions. He primarily attributed Russias history of upheaval to a divided populous and foreign concept of free speech and infidelity, which he was determined to streamline.
Source and Extent of Power
The Russian constitution controls Presidential powers and term limits. After President Putin served for two terms between 2000 and 2008, he was succeeded by Dmitry Medvedev. Russias constitutional clause that restricts term limits to two, each lasting four years, forced President Putin to leave in 2008. However, the Russian Parliament amended the constitution to change the presidential term limit, allowing Putin to vote again (Malinova, 2022). Therefore, Putin became the President of Russia in 2012 after Dmitry decided against vying (Hjelmgaard & Nemtsova, 2022). Putin has been in power for 20 years, but the Parliament is considering extending his term to 2036 (Hjelmgaard & Nemtsova, 2022). When Putin became President in 2012, the constitutional clause was amended, allowing him to stay until 2024, extending each presidential term to 6 years (Malinova, 2022). If the amendments by the parliament pass, his number serving as the President will be reset to zero, allowing him to stay beyond 2024 (Malinova, 2022). Although the constitution controls the presidency in Russia, it is more mixed with autocracy.
The checks and balances on the Russian presidency are the constitution, with Parliament responsible for amending the laws. The legislature and judicial branches are independent, where the legislature can impeach a president, and the judiciary can declare a presidential decree unconstitutional. Besides the Legislature and Judiciary, opposition leaders and non-governmental organizations play crucial roles in checking the Presidents powers. However, their effort has often been met with brutality and even imprisonment. Fundamentally, the ballot box is the most important check on presidential power in any democracy with a strong presidency.
Nevertheless, Russians are not prone to voting out a president simply for the sake of change. Russian citizens are willing to vote for a president even if they disagree with the individuals decisions and policies. Russians will vote for a candidate if they view him as intelligent and competent; otherwise, they would vote out the individual. Therefore, President Putin is accountable to the constitution and the voters.
Leadership Style
Other world leaders adore hating Putin because they view him as a ruthless aggressor who disregards international norms. However, Vladimir Putin understands the Russians norms, values, and culture, making him the ideal leader. According to Nanjundeswaraswamy and Swamy (2014), a culture largely influences a leadership style, where the leader embraces traditional values, norms, and beliefs. Putins leadership style befits the Great Man Theory, which posits that some individuals are born with necessary attributes that set them apart from others (Khan et al., 2016). These characteristics account for their attainment of power and influence. At least from the perspective of Russian citizens who support President Putins beliefs, this is the case. However, the Presidents earlier life and later personality depict an autocratic leader.
The autocratic leadership style entails exercising ultimate authority and power over others. Authoritarian leaders frequently demand complete obedience from their followers by using their authority, which is supported by organizational hierarchies (Pizzolitto et al.,2022). The autocratic approach is evident from manipulating the countrys constitution, which theoretically places him in power until 2036, and the brutal attack on Ukraine and Georgia (Pizzolitto et al.,2022). Putin has managed to practice immense control over Russia through intimidation or manipulation of political allies in ways never seen in Western democratic states. However, Putins reign has had mixed success, which may portray him as a transformational leader. Russia, under his leadership, has undeniably changed from a post-communist nation with severe food shortages and hyperinflation to a sustainable country with influence on global energy policy. Overall, Putins leadership style can be described as transformational during the earlier years of his presidency, with later years turning into autocracy.
Major Actions
Vladimir Putin signed into law a series of liberal economic reforms during his first two terms as President. These reforms include the flat income tax of 13%, reduced profit tax, and new land and civil codes (Laura, 2020). During that period, Poverty in Russia was reduced by more than half, and GDP grew significantly (Laura, 2020). The development record and the transformation of the lives of the citizens bring out Putins qualities as a transformational leader. Russia remains a relatively stable economy with military power and an economic hub, which can influence global trade policy on natural gas.
Despite the economic transformation, Vladimir Putin has also made controversial decisions that portray him as an autocratic leader. The first example of Putins authoritarian traits was the assault on Georgia. Russia launched an attack over the Georgian breakaway region South of Ossetia. At the very least, Putin sought to humiliate Georgia; at the worst, he wanted to remove Saakashvili and impose de facto Russian rule over the country. The war ended when Putin decided to gain control over the region of Ossetia while demonstrating Russias strength over Georgia (Mitchell, 2022). The attack and deliberate control of the territory portrays Putin as an aggressive leader who will do anything to gain power.
Another example is the recent war with Ukraine, where Putin commanded an increase in military presence along Russias border with Ukraine. The attack targeted all cities of Ukraine with constant air strikes and attacks by ground soldiers. Political ties have molded Europes landscape since the Soviet Unions dissolution, but Putin now wants to redraw it forcibly (Tampubolon, 2022). Putin has frequently asserted that Russia and Ukraine are one people, indicating his obsession with reclaiming the long-lost relationship with Ukraine (Tampubolon, 2022). The war has since claimed many casualties in both countries, with Ukraine opting to fight back with the backing of NATO countries. Since the war began, Russia has been subjected to several international sanctions to pressure Putin to de-escalate the issue (Tampubolon, 2022). The attack has brought out Putins autocratic approach to resolving problems and obsession with control.
Overall Assessment of President Putin
The Russian constitution promoted democracy, where the legislature and judicial branches performed checks and balances on the President. At least, this can be said to be true during the first two terms of Putins presidency, where the constitution barred him from vying a third time. Nevertheless, President Putin has found his way around the term limit through constitutional reforms that dilute the legislatures and judiciarys power (Malinova, 2022). Theoretically, the amendments provide a leeway way for Vladimir Putin to rule beyond 2024, which has characterized him as an autocratic leader.
The recent invasion of Ukraine and obsession with control has superimposed the impression of an autocratic leader. However, the current personality does not take away Putins role in the economic transformation of Russia into a world superpower with influence on trade policies. Putin portrayed a transformational leadership style for transforming the country into a world financial hub and military superpower. Several people have irrational admiration for Putin, just as there are people with an irrational hatred of him. Vladimir Putin is seen as a strong leader with brilliant psychological skills, power, and will to make decisions and take crazy risks. However, his obsession with control has overshadowed his brilliance and charisma, relaying a picture of an autocratic leader following the recent events in Ukraine.
Conclusion
Vladimir Putin came from a humble background and grew up in his hometown, Leningrad. While growing up, Putin desired to become a spy and work with the KGB, the Russian secret agency at the time. Therefore, he worked hard and joined the university to study law, joining the KGB after completing his education. Putin rose through the administrative ranks to become the Russian Prime Minister in 1998. The desire to end corruption, strengthen the countrys economy, and restore the lost glory of the Soviet Union drove his ambitions to pursue power. Eventually, President Yeltsin resigned due to plummeting public perception and appointed Putin as the next President in 1999.
During Putins two terms as the President, he transformed the Russian economy through effective policies that reduced poverty and propelled the country to superpower status in the world. From this perspective, Putin can be characterized as a transformational leader. However, Putin became obsessed with control, extending the presidential term limit, resorting to authoritarian rule to extend his stay, and launching attacks on countries like Georgia and Ukraine. These attacks on sovereign states and his determination to suppress those with a contrary opinion have portrayed Putin as an autocratic leader who would stop at nothing to gain control.
References
Hjelmgaard, K., & Nemtsova, A. (2022). A life on the world stage, but scant biographical details: What we know of the life of Vladimir Putin. USA TODAY. Web.
Khan, Z., Nawaz, A., & Khan, I. (2016). Leadership Theories and Styles: A Literature Review. Journal of Resources Development and Management, 16, 18.
Laura, S. (2020). From reforms to stagnation: 20 years of economic policies in Putins Russia. In Econstor (pp. 118). Institute for Economies in Transition (BOFIT). Web.
Malinova, O. (2022). Legitimizing Putins Regime: The Transformations of the Narrative of Russias Post-Soviet Transition. Communist and Post-Communist Studies, 55(1), 5275. Web.
Mitchell, L. (2022). Opinion: Why Putin puts his neighbor Georgia on edge. CNN. Web.
Nanjundeswaraswamy, T., & Swamy, D. (2014). Leadership styles. Advances in Management, 7(1), 5762.
Pizzolitto, E., Verna, I., & Venditti, M. (2022). Authoritarian leadership styles and performance: a systematic literature review and research agenda. Management Review Quarterly, 131. Springer. Web.
Singh, D. (2022). Putins rough childhood and its shadow over Ukraine and other wars. India Today. Web.
Tampubolon, M. (2022). Russias Invasion of Ukraine and its Impact on Global Geopolitics. European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 18(20), 48. Web.
The Editorial Board. (2023). Opinion | A Brutal New Phase of the War in Ukraine. The New York Times. Web.
van Eeden, R., Cilliers, F., & van Deventer, V. (2008). Leadership styles and associated personality traits: Support for the conceptualisation of transactional and transformational leadership. South African Journal of Psychology, 38(2), 253267.
Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.