PUTIN THREAD. As Putin made big news at the beginning of his 20th year in power, seeing lots of discussion/postings of his origins, rise to power, future probabilities of his hold on power, etc. Want to add to the reading list. 1/
On whether Putin & autocracy were inevitable, see "Choosing Autocracy: Actors, Institutions, and Revolution in the Erosion of Russian Democracy"
Comparative Politics. jstor.org/stable/pdf/265… 2/
Comparative Politics. jstor.org/stable/pdf/265… 2/
For a less academic version of the same argument, see "Is Putinism the Russian Norm
or an Aberration?" Current History currenthistory.com/McFaul-CH2018.… 3/
or an Aberration?" Current History currenthistory.com/McFaul-CH2018.… 3/
On Putin's impact on relations with the United States, see from Cold War to Hot Peace, especially chapter three, "Putin's Thermidor." amazon.com/Cold-War-Hot-P… 4/
On Putin coming to power in 2000, analysts today sometimes forget the role that the Primakov/Luzhkov possible victory in 1999/2000 electoral cycle played in Yeltsin & co selecting Putin. Colton & I wrote a book on it: amazon.com/Popular-Choice… 5/
I wrote my first piece, titled "Indifferent to Democracy," worrying about Putin's autocratic proclivities in @PostOpinions in March 2000. Shocking to believe that he's still in power. Russia obviously way more autocratic today than in 2000. washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPcap/2… 6/
I tried to watch his poslanie last night, but fell asleep before the "shocking" news that came later. But it it really that shocking? We didn't know the modality of his plan to stay in power, but we all knew the final outcome. If I'm wrong, let me know. 7/ END THREAD.
