A Real Analogy to Putin
Of course, we have seen Vladimir Putin compared to every dictator that anyone can think of, but it occurred to me that no one has mentioned someone who forms, I think, a true analogy to Putin- Napoleon.
As in Russia, France in 1787 experienced the sudden collapse of a totalitarian government, followed by a period of political and economic chaos that lasted several years. In the vacuum, a strong man emerged who, at first, seemed to have limited goals for himself, but gradually decided that he would rather be an emperor than a more ordinary political leader.
French rationality and relative liberalism asserted itself in Napoleon's case. Yes, the French people had to endure the rule of a couple of Napoleon's incompetent descendants for a few generations, but they managed to extricate themselves from that, and went on to become a democracy. Russians seem to have a far more autocratic streak than the French, so we will have to see how long they let Putin get away with his behavior.
As in Russia, France in 1787 experienced the sudden collapse of a totalitarian government, followed by a period of political and economic chaos that lasted several years. In the vacuum, a strong man emerged who, at first, seemed to have limited goals for himself, but gradually decided that he would rather be an emperor than a more ordinary political leader.
French rationality and relative liberalism asserted itself in Napoleon's case. Yes, the French people had to endure the rule of a couple of Napoleon's incompetent descendants for a few generations, but they managed to extricate themselves from that, and went on to become a democracy. Russians seem to have a far more autocratic streak than the French, so we will have to see how long they let Putin get away with his behavior.
Comments
I clicked on the link in the comment you submitted, but it led to a meaningless result (a site with links to some air conditioner repair places and other things like that.) I didn't want you to think I had just ignored what you had to say. If you could write back and say a little more, or send a corrected link, I'd be glad to have your contribution.