The video provides a brief biography of Vladimir Putin and how he rose to power in Russia. It looks at his influence on shaping Russia into an authoritarian and militaristic society, as well as his successful invasion of two neighboring countries and strengthening ties with Syria and Iran. The video also discusses how Putin has used information to his advantage, through control of state-owned propaganda machines, and employs a cyber army to hack and influence other countries, particularly in Europe and the United States. Finally, the video speculates on how the election of Donald Trump may be good news for Putin's vision of a dominant Russia.
1. Vladimir Putin has been ruling Russia since 1999.
2. Putin has shaped Russia into an authoritarian and militaristic society.
3. Putin successfully invaded two of Russia's neighbors and strengthened ties with Syria and Iran.
4. Putin is intent on pushing back against the Western world order.
5. Putin ascended to power during the chaos and corruption that gripped Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union.
6. Russia's first president, Boris Yeltsin, was unpopular and cooperated with the West, while surrendering an immense amount of political power to oligarchs.
7. Putin quickly ascended to the upper echelon of the new Russian state by supporting oligarchs, crime bosses, and security officials.
8. Putin became prime minister in 1999 and blamed Chechen separatists for deadly bombings in several Russian cities.
9. Putin's approval ratings rose from 2% to 45% after the bombings.
10. Putin cracked down on human rights and civil liberties in Russia during his third term as president.
11. Putin has used propaganda, cyber warfare, and traditional military methods to pursue his aggressive foreign policy.
12. Putin's invasions have prompted harsh sanctions from the West and hurt the Russian economy.
13. The election of Donald Trump brings hope for Putin's vision as Trump's rhetoric has been soft on Russia and he could lift sanctions and weaken NATO.