Putin is a liberal in the old fashioned sense that no longer exists in the West. He believes in sustaining a network of laws and agreements that resolve disputes diplomatically instead of with violence. He believes that government should serve the people and not the economic interests of the elite. He believes that religion is an important element of social unity and sustains moral behavior on which society depends. He is constrained in implementing his beliefs by Washington and Russian leadership elements that are pro-Western. This leaves Putin frustrated and angry. Putin’s views contrast sharply with what passes for liberalism in the West … Continue reading →