Vladimir Putin’s Global Ambitions: Power, Influence, and Legacy
For Vladimir Putin, Russia’s position in the world is more than just geopolitics—it’s personal. His vision is to restore Russia as a dominant global power, challenge Western influence, and secure his legacy as the leader who revived the nation’s strength. He seeks to expand Russia’s sphere of influence, particularly in former Soviet territories, while resisting what he perceives as Western efforts to weaken or contain Russia.
Putin’s ambitions go beyond military and political dominance—he aims to reshape the global order by reducing U.S. and European influence. To achieve this, he has strengthened alliances with China, Iran, and other nations that challenge Western hegemony. Domestically, he maintains tight control, suppressing opposition and fostering nationalism to solidify his rule.
When Putin first took office in 2000, rising oil prices brought unprecedented wealth to Russia. The country gained a stronger voice on the world stage, even joining the G7, which became the G8. However, this status was never enough for Putin.
“Putin was happy to throw all that away on behalf of his citizens because of higher geopolitical aims,” said Kristine Berzina, managing director at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, in an interview with CNN. His pursuit of power led to Russia’s expulsion from the G8, Western sanctions, and global isolation following its aggression against Ukraine.
For Russia, Berzina explained, being “the eighth in the G7” was never acceptable. “That doesn’t work within Russia’s understanding of its own exceptionalism. It is the largest country in the world, the richest in natural resources, so how can it simply be one of the players?” she said.
Ultimately, for Putin, Russia’s global standing is not just a matter of influence—it is a mission to cement his nation’s supremacy and his personal place in history.
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