Putin’s Anti-Globalization Strategy

Russia is active in the global market, but President Vladimir Putin’s governance does not embrace all aspects of globalization. While not resurrecting the Sovietisms of yesterday’s Kremlin, Putin places no faith in the western political mandates of globalization that advocate for the power of the individual consumer over the control of the state. Putin endorses a strong central state, control over information, stability and minimal foreign influence – all leading to Russia’s insular political identity. Meanwhile, he does allow commercial and military alliances with western areas of the globe for the sake of measured economic development and international security. Putin hosts the G-8 summit July 15 to 17, 2006, in St. Petersburg. It can be expected that Putin will join his western counterparts in pursuing advantages of globalization that favor his nation – but he won’t hesitate to regulate any aspects, especially those that threaten Russia’s political system. – YaleGlobal