Czar Putin

President Putin of Russia is acting notably imperial of late. 21 Oppostion journalists have been slain the past few years, he’s strongarmed every former Soviet satellite state there is, he’s cracked down on capitalism, and recently stifled dissent within his country. He is also adamantly against missile defense for Europe.

putinhof.gifCzar Putin the Great goes wading at his palace.

— Bad photoshops aside, President Putin of Russia is acting notably imperial of late. 21 Oppostion journalists have been slain the past few years, he’s strongarmed every former Soviet satellite state there is, he’s cracked down on capitalism, and recently stifled dissent within his country. He is also adamantly against missile defense for Europe.

Where will this lead? For some great analysis, see this paper at the Strategic Studies Institute by Stephen J. Blank. [PDF Link, read online or download paper]