How Vladimir Putin Rose to the Top

摘要

With the help of his loyal friends. [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has built three circles of power-the state, the state enterprises, and the cronies' companies. Putin's first term appears to be a masterpiece of consolidation of power by a budding authoritarian. He was everything to everyone. In the eyes of liberals, he pursued excellent market economic reforms and seemed to build the rule of law. The giveaway was his immediate clampdown on independent television, which was well understood by human rights activists, but he pursued an elaborate salami tactic, cutting off one television channel after the other, accusing each one of poor finances or specific crimes.