A semi-autocratic system with the support of most Russians

Putin perspectives: Russia's preparation for the G8 has had echoes of Soviet times Kevin O'Flynn Articles Latest Show all Profile guardian.co.uk July 15, 2006

The summit for Putin is supposed to be the apotheosis of his two terms as president. This has seen a country transformed, from its weak and crippled state under Boris Yeltsin to a resource-rich, increasingly confident country. With huge oil and gas reserves, now mainly controlled by the state, it is a country that the world needs. Putin has built his new Russia by crushing the oligarchs, suppressing media freedom and squeezing out opposition, to create a semi-autocratic system of state capitalism. It has all been done, it must be said, with the support of most Russians, but it is not going to get the western seal of approval. Silence, though, will be enough.