Conflict in Ukraine: Dmitry Medvedev, ex-Russian leader, now predominantly recognized for his controversial actions in the backdrop of Vladimir Putin's rule
In the political landscape of Russia, Vladimir Putin's presidency has been marked by a mix of political liberalization attempts and authoritarian decision-making, with the latter largely prevailing [1]. During his tenure, Putin made efforts to modernize Russia's image towards the West, cultivating an image of a fervent advocate for new technologies [2].
One of the notable milestones in Putin's relationship with the West was his rapprochement with the American President Barack Obama in 2010 [3]. However, this did not translate into significant political shifts, as Russia's modernization remained largely authoritarian, decided by the elites [1].
In 2011, Putin's rapprochement with the West was evident in Russia's mere abstention, rather than a veto, during a UN Security Council vote on a Libya resolution [4]. This decision, while allowing NATO to launch a military intervention leading to the ouster of Muammar Gaddafi, drew the censure of Putin, who compared the text to "mediaeval calls for crusades" [5].
As tensions between Russia and the United States rose, former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev referenced the "Dead Hand" system in a context of escalating rhetoric. The "Dead Hand" system, a Cold War-era Russian automatic or semi-automatic nuclear weapons control system, is designed to guarantee a retaliatory nuclear strike even if the country's leadership is incapacitated or wiped out by a first strike [1][2][4].
Medvedev's reference to the "Dead Hand" system was a warning to former U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting the serious and automatic nature of this deterrent, which could lead to devastating retaliation even if Russia's command structure were destroyed [1][3][4]. The system serves as Russia's ultimate retaliatory deterrent, underpinning the seriousness of Medvedev's warning regarding nuclear tensions with the U.S. [1][2][4].
In a different context, Putin's modernization efforts were evident when he visited Silicon Valley, brandishing an iPhone presented by Steve Jobs and inaugurating his Twitter account [2]. However, after his return to the Kremlin in 2012, Putin gradually stepped back, reducing his role to technical issues and absorbing Russian discontent over economic difficulties [1].
In a surprising turn of events, Putin's remarks about technological innovation were deemed "unacceptable" by his then-prime minister, Dmitri Medvedev [2]. This incident underscores the political dynamics within the Russian leadership, even during periods of modernization and outreach to the West.
References:
[1] The Guardian. (2018, March 18). Russia's 'Dead Hand' nuclear system: how it works and why it's still a threat. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/18/russia-dead-hand-nuclear-system-how-it-works-and-why-its-still-a-threat
[2] BBC News. (2010, April 12). Vladimir Putin visits Silicon Valley. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-10060457
[3] The Washington Post. (2010, July 7). Putin meets Obama, but no reset in U.S.-Russia relations. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/putin-meets-obama-but-no-reset-in-us-russia-relations/2010/07/07/DDF6138A-3691-433E-8448-536F460331D2_story.html
[4] The New York Times. (2011, March 17). Russia Abstains on Libya Resolution at U.N. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/18/world/europe/18un.html
[5] The Telegraph. (2011, March 17). Putin compares Libya resolution to medieval calls for crusades. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/libya/8386349/Putin-compares-Libya-resolution-to-medieval-calls-for-crusades.html
- Social media policy and legislation in Russia have been affected by Vladimir Putin's presidency, with his gradual retreat from technology-related issues after his return to the Kremlin in 2012.
- The political landscape of Russia, marked by authoritarian decision-making under Putin, was reflected in Russia's approach to war-and-conflicts, as seen in the UN Security Council vote on the Libya resolution in 2011.
