Photos by www.kremlin.ru and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jette Carr
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin has been a topic of much debate and analysis. While their relationship has often been scrutinized, several factors might explain why Trump respects and admires Putin.
Strong Leadership and Stability
One of the primary reasons Trump may admire Putin is his strong leadership style. Putin’s ability to bring stability to Russia after the chaotic 1990s is noteworthy. When Putin took office as president on Dec 31st 1999 after Boris Yeltsin’s resignation, Russia was facing severe economic and political turmoil. When Mikhail Gorbachev, who was somewhat naive, was influenced by the charismatic Ronald Reagan and Western leaders to bring down the famous Berlin Wall, he did so without pre-calculated conditions or plan. This decision led to chaos in his country. Gorbachev was led to eventually resign 13 months later. Or overthrown? By his arch-rival Boris Yeltsin, who remained in power until his resignation in December 1999. During this period of turmoil, ordinary people suffered massively. The “winner takes all” or “dog-eat-dog” environment was traumatic for the average citizen. Amidst this chaos, Vladimir Putin emerged as their savior. Through decisive actions, he managed to stabilize the economy, reduce national debt, and restore a sense of national pride. At present the majority of Russians love Putin as they have the luxury of free living. Trump’s own leadership style, which emphasizes strength and decisiveness, focuses on a better life for ordinary Americans. This aligns with his respect for Putin’s ability to assert control and achieve stability and a better life for ordinary Russians which they are enjoying now.
Economic Reforms and Resource Management
Putin’s economic reforms, particularly in the energy sector, have significantly boosted Russia’s economy. By consolidating control over the oil and gas industries and renegotiating deals with foreign companies, Putin ensured that Russia benefited from rising global energy prices. This influx of revenue was crucial for economic growth and stability. Trump’s background in business and his appreciation for effective resource management likely contribute to his admiration for Putin’s economic strategies.
Military Modernization and Global Influence
Under Putin, Russia has significantly modernized its military, projecting power on the global stage with increased military assertiveness. Trump’s respect for military strength and his own efforts to bolster the U.S. military might explain his admiration for Putin’s ability to enhance Russia’s global influence through military means.
Personal Interactions and Insights
Trump’s background in the hospitality industry has given him extensive interactions with people from various fields and backgrounds. This exposure likely provided him with unique insights into different cultures and leadership styles. Trump’s admiration for Putin might also stem from personal interactions and stories he has heard from Eastern guests, especially of the era between late 1989 when the wall was brought down to Dec 31st 1999. This was a seriously tumultuous time when many Russians suffered. It probably shaped his views on the complexities of international politics and the motivations behind certain actions.
Pragmatic Approach to Governance
Both Trump and Putin share a pragmatic approach to governance, focusing on direct action and deal-making, focusing on making the lives of people of their country prosperous. Trump’s respect for Putin may also be rooted in their shared belief in the importance of strong, decisive leadership. This pragmatic approach, combined with a mutual understanding of the challenges of leading a diverse and complex nation, likely contributes to Trump’s admiration for Putin.
In conclusion, Trump’s admiration for Putin can be attributed to several factors, including Putin’s strong leadership, economic reforms and military modernization. The majority of Russians are happy with their life of stability and peace. These are personal insights gained through Trump’s background in hospitality. While their relationship has been controversial, understanding these underlying reasons provides a clearer picture of why Trump respects and admires Putin.
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