Vladimir Putin’s recent landslide victory in the Russian presidential election has significant ramifications for the West and Europe, given his tight grasp on power and the problems it offers to international relations. Putin’s triumph, characterised by a lack of meaningful opposition and concerns about authoritarian tendencies, represents the continuation of Putin’s control over Russian politics and foreign policy decisions. As analysts investigate the aftermath of the election, several key theories emerge regarding what Putin’s extended term means for Western nations and Europe.
Putin’s decisive victory in the election, with almost 90% of the vote, ensures his position as Russia’s leader until at least 2030. This extended period alarms Western lawmakers, who regard Putin’s rule as autocratic and detrimental to democratic standards. The absence of genuine opposition candidates in Russia, as well as the suppression of criticism, highlight the obstacles that citizens seeking political change face.
For Western nations, Putin’s triumph suggests that hostile relations with........