Putin: Four Years at the Kremlin

Author: [Russian] Roy Medvedev
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: The 21st century has welcomed a new leader in Russia. In the past three years, there have been many descriptions of Vladimir Putin, and these descriptions have often varied greatly. It was already surprising that Putin appeared at the pinnacle of the Russian political scene, and even more surprising to many was that he successfully completed a term and garnered an extraordinarily high level of support from the Russian people. We are convinced that this leader was born in response to the call of the times, historical progress, and the Russian people. He not only confidently and comprehensively presented Russia's image on the world stage but also fundamentally reversed the prevailing prejudice that politicians could not improve the living standards of the people in a very short time. — Roy Medvedev
This book provides a detailed introduction to Putin's career in the early 1990s, focusing on the Russian political process from August 2001 to the end of 2003 and his political contributions. The author offers a preliminary summary of Putin's four years in the Kremlin, evaluates his actions in several major international events that occurred in recent years, and delves into sensitive issues such as U.S.-Russian relations during Putin's tenure and the controversial Yukos oil company affair. With bitterness, pride, and hope, the Russian people have navigated the 20th century. During this century, many countries in the world experienced intense turmoil, revolutions, and wars, but none have undergone such frequent, abrupt, and pathological changes as Russia in the past century. A century ago, liberals, Marxists, and populists debated whether Russia could or should adopt capitalism. Later, they argued over the development paths of socialism, communism, and new capitalism, whether by adhering to the party's "general line" or the market's "invisible hand." Now, there is no longer any need for such debates, as we are beginning to move from oligarchic capitalism to state capitalism. Almost all major historical events of the 20th century were closely tied to Russia. We endured the pain of the collapse of the Russian Empire and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. However, Russia survived as a great nation, a multi-ethnic society, a great culture, and a center of attention for many countries in Europe and Asia. During this period, all of Russia's political parties and their ideologies suffered greatly from this collapse and dissolution. The Russian people once again found themselves at a crossroads, contemplating their fate, their place in the world, happiness, security, and the restoration of unity. At that time, the state appeared in a different form and with different boundaries.
Today, it is not difficult to paint a bleak picture of Russia in poverty, and many have already described it extensively. Liberal reformers and "shock therapy" pushed the majority of the Russian people into poverty, and some even into destitution. They failed to heal the wounds of the nation and nearly destroyed it. Surprisingly, the economic decline and crisis of the 1990s did not lead to major social unrest. The dissolution of the Soviet Union was completed in a relatively peaceful atmosphere, and Russia avoided the disastrous consequences of extreme nationalism that many countries could not escape in the 20th century. Today, Russia remains the largest country in terms of territory and the second most powerful military nation in the world. It continues to maintain influence in Europe, the Far East, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, and it remains the most important country in the former Soviet region. In the United Nations, it is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council. Russia possesses the world's richest natural resources, immense scientific and cultural potential, and a highly educated population. The Russian people yearn for order, but it is not imposed. Yes, Russia is still a great nation, and its people are gradually recovering from a serious illness, with this rapid development already underway.
The 21st century has welcomed a new leader in Russia. In the past three years, there have been many descriptions of Vladimir Putin, and these descriptions have often varied greatly. It was already surprising that Putin appeared at the pinnacle of the Russian political scene, and even more surprising to many was that he successfully completed a term and garnered an extraordinarily high level of support from the Russian people. We are convinced that this leader was born in response to the call of the times, historical progress, and the Russian people. He not only confidently and comprehensively presented Russia's image on the world stage but also fundamentally reversed the prevailing prejudice that politicians could not improve the living standards of the people in a very short time.
Vladimir Putin represents a new generation of Russian political figures: they were born after World War II, their understanding of the war coming from books or the stories of their parents. These individuals received their primary, secondary, and university education in Soviet schools and during the Soviet atmosphere of the 1960s and 1970s. They began their careers in the Soviet era and did not disappear under the conditions of the 1990s' liberal reforms. They are typically calm pragmatists, capable and willing to draw on the good values and fine traditions of old Russia, the former Soviet Union, and the new democratic Russia, hoping to inherit the traditions of the Russian Empire and restore its original role in Europe and Asia.
Vladimir Putin took over the reins of power in an emergency. At that time, Russia's economy was weak, national politics was feeble, and the danger of federal dissolution was looming. It seemed that the hope of national revival was fading, and the people were weary of everything the 20th century had brought them. Against this backdrop, Putin and his team were given a special responsibility. In a play by the renowned German playwright B. Brecht, there is a line:
— A country that produces heroes is lucky.
— No, a country that does not need heroes is lucky.
Many countries in the world may have already adapted to and grown accustomed to life without heroes, but Russia needs heroes. This is our shortcoming, because heroes do not always follow such logic and demands: these individuals are thrust into politics. However, for historians, the topic of heroes has become a catalyst for studying many issues in the life of the state and society.
This book is based on a work published in August 2001 titled Putin's Era—Russia at the Turn of the Century. However, major events in the past two years have significantly changed the international environment we are in, forcing the Russian leadership and the President of Russia to work tirelessly and make important decisions. All of this has not only significantly altered Russia's position in the world but also changed Putin's status as a leader both domestically and internationally. All of this has prompted the author to write Vladimir Putin—The Current President, which is now titled Putin—Four Years in the Kremlin.
Here, I would like to thank everyone who provided advice and information for writing this book.