PRESIDENT PUTIN

March 2000
		After several months as acting president of Russia, Vladimir Putin has been formally elected to the country's presidency. Can he bring needed reforms to Russian democracy? Anna Vassilieva, Associate Professor of Russian studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, Steven Solnick, Associate Professor of Political Science at Columbia University, and Eva Busza, Assistant Professor of Government at the College of William and Mary, respond to your questions.

Forum introduction Could Putin turn toward more authoritarian methods of government? Will Russia's business climate improve? How will Putin direct Russia's foreign affairs? Can Putin restore Russia's national pride? How does Putin compare to Russia's past leadership?     Online Special: Politics in Russia March 27, 2000 Three experts discuss what Putin's election win means for Russia. March 24, 2000 Vladimir Putin leads in the polls a day before the election. Jan. 3, 2000 A background report on Yeltsin's resignation Jan. 2, 2000 An Online NewsHour report on Yeltsin's resignation Dec. 31, 1999 RealAudio: President Clinton responds to Yeltsin's resignation Aug. 9, 1999 Yeltsin appoints a new prime minister June 24, 1999 Russians angered over the NATO bombing of Serbia June 17, 1999 Russia's role in Kosovo diplomacy May 12, 1999 President Yeltsin explains his decision to fire his government Complete NewsHour coverage of Europe   The Library of Congress's Russia study Russian government Russian Embassy in Washington The College of William and Mary Columbia University The Monterey Institute for International Studies

Lenny Robinson of Lexington, Ohio asks: I am wondering about Putin's position with Russia's military and, for that matter, the current nuclear arsenal. Is his silence about his national policy a political ploy or is it the characteristic profile of a hard-line leader? How will he handle the nuclear issue?   Eva Busza responds: A key question. One thing to note is that Putin was already Acting President when the new national security concept was signed (Jan 14). This document in contrast to previous versions suggests that Russia can use nuclear weapons in retaliation against non-nuclear states. In the last few days Putin has argued two points: that Russia should ratify START II while at the same time improving its own nuclear arsenal (e.g., one of the promises made by Putin during the campaign was a significant increase in defense spending with an emphasis on weapons procurement). Thus I would argue that his nuclear policy will be one of improving the quality of Russia's decaying arsenal while trying to prevent the beginning of a new high-tech arms race.   Steven Solnick responds: One of the few areas where Putin has not been silent about his policies is in military and security affairs. He has given the army full support and free rein in Chechya and has promised to boost military spending and support the modernization of the armed forces. He has not yet suggested how he plans to pay for this, however. In nuclear policy, he seems to be wielding a carrot and a stick. On the one hand, he approved a revised national security document for Russia that--for the first time--raises the possibility that Russia may be the first to use nuclear weapons in the event of a military conflict. In part, however, this document seems to be an effort to communicate (to Russian AND Western readers) that Putin views Russia's vital interests in term that will not always agree with the West's ideal position. In other words, Putin wants everyone to know that what is in Russia's best interests will not always be in NATO's best interests and vice versa. This is an attempt to reverse the "strategic partnership" that Yeltsin attempted to forge with Bush and Clinton, under which Russia watched the US attack Iraq and NATO attack Serbia--both former Soviet allies--and during which NATO expanded to include three former Warsaw Pact states. On the other hand, Putin has supported the ratification of the START agreements, seeming to open the door for renewed progress in bilateral arms control talks.   Anna Vassilieva responds: There is no "silence" per se if we characterize Putin's position on the national policy. He made it very clear that he will support the military-industrial complex of Russia and that, particularly, he will pay close attention to the proper maintenance of its nuclear arsenal. As to the announcement coming from the Foreign Ministry of Russia, Wednesday last week, Foreign Minister Ivanov emphasized the new foreign policy of Russia will be based on "consistency, predictability, and mutually beneficial pragmatism." I see foreign policy of Russia becoming increasingly predictable and practical, based on Russia's national interests and on long-term goals of internal development. All the previous announcements made by Mr. Putin before the elections lead me to believe that he will exercise a common sense caution in terms of dealing with his country's nuclear arsenals, at the same time making sure that the interests of his country are well protected.