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The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin: From Obscurity to Autocracy

Robert Reed

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Published in The Man Without A Face: The Unlikely Rise Of Vladimir Putin

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Vladimir Putin's rise to power is one of the most remarkable stories in modern history. From humble beginnings in Leningrad, he ascended to the presidency of Russia in 2000 and has remained in power ever since. This article explores the key events and figures that shaped Putin's life and career, and examines the factors that have contributed to his longevity in power.

Early Life and Career

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin was born on October 7, 1952, in Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (present-day Saint Petersburg, Russia). His father, Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin, was a factory worker and his mother, Maria Ivanovna Putina, was a cleaner. Putin has described his family as "modest" and "simple."

The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin

by Masha Gessen

4.4 out of 5

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Putin developed an interest in martial arts at a young age, and he began training in judo and sambo. He went on to become a highly skilled martial artist, and he even won the championship of Leningrad in sambo.

After graduating from high school, Putin enrolled in the Leningrad State University Law Faculty. He graduated in 1975, and he then began working for the KGB, the Soviet Union's secret police.

Rise to Power

Putin's career in the KGB was unremarkable, and he never rose above the rank of lieutenant colonel. However, he was able to use his KGB connections to build a network of influential friends and allies.

In 1990, Putin was elected to the Leningrad City Council. He quickly rose through the ranks of the city government, and he became mayor of St. Petersburg in 1991.

In 1996, Putin was appointed as deputy head of the presidential administration under President Boris Yeltsin. He quickly became one of Yeltsin's most trusted advisors, and he played a key role in Yeltsin's re-election campaign in 1996.

In 1999, Yeltsin appointed Putin as Prime Minister of Russia. Putin's popularity soared during his time as Prime Minister, and he was widely seen as Yeltsin's successor.

Presidency

On December 31, 1999, Yeltsin resigned from the presidency, and Putin became acting president. He was formally elected president in March 2000, and he has been re-elected four times since then.

During his time as president, Putin has overseen a period of economic growth and stability in Russia. He has also cracked down on political dissent, and he has been accused of authoritarianism and human rights abuses.

Factors Contributing to Putin's Longevity in Power

There are a number of factors that have contributed to Putin's longevity in power. These include:

Control of the media: Putin has been able to control the Russian media, and he has used this to promote his own agenda and to suppress dissent.
Popular support: Putin remains popular with many Russians, who see him as a strong leader who has restored Russia to its former glory.
Lack of viable opposition: Putin has been able to eliminate or co-opt any potential rivals, and there is no viable opposition movement in Russia.
Constitutional changes: Putin has made a number of changes to the Russian constitution that have allowed him to stay in power for longer than the previous two-term limit.

Vladimir Putin is one of the most powerful and influential leaders in the world. He has been in power for over two decades, and he shows no signs of slowing down. The factors that have contributed to Putin's longevity in power are complex, but they include his control of the media, his popular support, and his lack of viable opposition.

Putin's presidency has been marked by both progress and setbacks. He has overseen a period of economic growth and stability, but he has also cracked down on political dissent and been accused of authoritarianism and human rights abuses. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Putin and Russia, but he is sure to continue to be a major force on the world stage for many years to come.

The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin

by Masha Gessen

4.4 out of 5