Putin's Grand Strategy

Russia is at once powerful and weak. She describes evidence of corruption, manipulation of the media, a lack of democratic institutions and free speech as some of the things that allow Putin to maintain illegitimate control over the country. And, she also goes on to highlight problems with the economy and the threat European unity and democracy pose to his government. Applebaum describes Putin's role within the European setting and how he seeks to undermine the reach of democracy ideology.