Russia Makes Bold Moves in 2007

A look at the reasoning behind Russia’s current economic and political policies from the upcoming 2008 presidential election to a return to status as a world power.

2007 has been a year chock full of bold moves by Russia. From halting the flow of oil through Belarus in January to planting a flag on the Arctic ocean floor in July, Russia is defiantly flexing its muscles at the rest of the world.

What could possibly be the motivation behind all these moves? Perhaps, with a March 2008 presidential election looming in the not too distant future, President Vladimir Putin is positioning himself in front of the voters as a strong leader? Not likely, as he is about to end his second term in office and the Russian Constitution prevents him from seeking a third consecutive term.

Maybe Putin has a successor in mind and is looking to setup some new initiatives for that person. This option is a possibility, though Putin has refused to declare which candidate he will support in the election. It is expected that he will back one of the current Deputy Prime Ministers, either Sergei Ivanov or Dmitri Medvedev, but don’t expect Putin to make an announcement until the campaign begins.

Perhaps Putin wants Russia to return to its former glory as a world power (formerly under the Soviet regime). I think this is the most likely scenario. Ever since the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, all the former republics have struggled both politically and economically. Through Putin’s United Russia Party’s dominance, the country seems to have stabilized its political system. Financial stability has come from foreign sales of oil, gas, and nuclear power technology. It looks like Putin feels now is the time for some strategic moves that will make the rest of the world stand up and take notice. Let’s hope that is all he is doing, and not starting a new Cold War.