Russia on the rebound
Frequent blog visitors may be aware that the business channel here at b5 has come up with the idea of an “Odd Blog Couple” post, pairing two different bloggers to answer the same question. It’s an interesting idea, and I lucked out in drawing a question on which I have an opinion. And the question is: Who is the most important political or national leader currently serving in the world?
I picked Vladimir Putin, a suggestion which my counterpart, Jean over at smallbusinessboomers, quickly seconded. Her post is here. Apparently Time Magazine agrees, having named Putin their Person of the Year for 2007.
The interesting thing about Putin is that he has managed to bring Russia back into the pantheon of important powers while running roughshod over its budding democratic process and otherwise acting like a mean-spirited bully. Indeed, he seems to cut an almost Reagen-esque figure with his macho posturing and firm, if sometimes harsh statements. And Russia, for its part, has responded by supporting Putin, if not always unequivocally. Russians, it seems, feel the same sense of reinvigorated national pride and determination that many US Americans felt back in that era as well, and are willing to go along with the ride. Of course, one big question is whether they have much of a choice in the matter, to which this observer tends to think a resounding no.
Fortunately for Putin, he’s been dealt a good hand, since at least one country which might otherwise be more concerned with his dictatorial ways is busily trying to extricate itself from a mess in Iraq and Afghanistan, a budding mess in Iran, and a primary which has thrown many things into confusion. That said, Putin has played that hand well, and when the US finally gets around to looking in his direction Russia will be a different country than the one they last remembered.
image from der Spiegel
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6 opinions for Russia on the rebound
Jean Murray
Jan 18, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I agree, Chris. We need to go back to the Russia of WW II, the Russia of Stalin, to get a picture of what Russia might become and some say is becoming under Putin - a Russia with a Stalin-like leader. Not a pleasant thought.
Jean Mercedes
Jan 20, 2008 at 5:27 am
There is a lot at stake with Russia, it’s a big country with a lot of influence. International business with the country has taken off in the last few years. Foreign investors are attracted to Russia’s natural resources, new market and engineering skills. The UK announced this week that their goal is to be Russia’s number one trading partner.
Russian firms (many of which are cash-rich) are also investing heavily outside of their country. One area which gets a lot of press is Russian ownership of European football (soccer) clubs like Chelsea and Schalke.
I personally have never done business with a Russian company, but the first meetings are now being set up. I’ll let you know how they go…
Ren Garcia
Jan 24, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Bilateral trade between the Philippines & Russia hovers around US$ 400 million and appears to be increasing. For some perspective: trade with Japan is double, while with the US is in the several billions (however, showing a declining trend since 2000).
b5media - Move over Felix and Oscar: There’s a New Odd (Blog) Couple in Town.
Jan 28, 2008 at 11:32 am
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b5media - Move over Felix and Oscar: There’s a New Odd (Blog) Couple in Town.
Jan 28, 2008 at 11:32 am
[…] is the most important political or national leader currently serving in the world? Doing Biz Abroad Small Business […]
E-sniper » Blog Archive » Move over Felix and Oscar: There’s a New Odd (Blog) Couple in Town.
Feb 8, 2008 at 5:00 pm
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