Kotkin on Russia ‘ s proto – fascist movement (called the Union of the Russian people) of the early XXTH century:
The Union’s members and leaders… we’re antiliberal, anti capitalist, and anti – semitic. They emphasized the uniqueness of Russia ‘ s historical trajectory, rejected Europe as a model, preached the need for Orthodox primacy… and demanded restoration of Russia ‘ s traditions. .. Union members held that the autocrat alone must rule (99).
Remind you of anyone?
Clarissa's Blog 
I am not sure: is Putin an erudite person? Does he know f.e. history well? On anti-Russian blogs people joke about his education as an economist, considering where Russian economy is going now.
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I have a very strong suspicion that he is a puppet for a group of very intelligent and educated, albeit not hugely nice, people.
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I had to share this caricature with you:
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A good one!
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