More of the Same Under Putin

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In The Media

More of the Same Under Putin

If Putin is re-elected president, he is likely to seek to maintain continuity and stability in a time of economic uncertainty and his return will not significantly alter Russian domestic politics or the U.S.-Russia reset.

By Matthew Rojansky

Published on Sep 27, 2011

Source: BBC World News

Speaking on BBC World News, Carnegie’s Matthew Rojansky argued that “the return of Vladimir Putin to the presidency doesn’t strengthen democracy. It doesn’t necessarily weaken things; it doesn’t necessarily worsen things.” Instead, Rojansky explained that Putin will maintain popular support because he represents continuity and stability.

Rojansky warned that Putin will likely face new challenges in the economic sphere as oil production and oil prices begin to fall. “There are some real economic storm clouds gathering,” Rojansky warned. He added that Putin’s return will not undo the reset in U.S.-Russia relations. “Putin has basically approved of the reset from the outset. I don’t think he’s going to roll back any of the major accomplishments of the reset,” Rojansky concluded.

About the Author

Matthew Rojansky

Former Deputy Director, Russia and Eurasia Program

Rojansky, formerly executive director of the Partnership for a Secure America, is an expert on U.S. and Russian national security and nuclear-weapon policies.

Recent Work

Paper
An Opportunity for Ambition: Ukraine’s OSCE Chairmanship
- Matthew Rojansky
In The Media
Presiding Over the OSCE: Challenges and Opportunities
- Matthew Rojansky

Political Reform Economy Foreign Policy Caucasus Russia

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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