What is Vladimir Putin up to? This book shows the way the mentality of Putin and his team-the code of Putinism-has formed Russian politics within the last 2 decades. It points out not only the thoughts and suggestions that inspire Putin’s decisions, but also the set of emotions and habits that influence how Putin and his close allies watch the world.

Taylor pulls on a large number of interviews, the speeches of Putin and other top officials, and the Russian media to analyze the mentality of Team Putin..Read More about The Code of Putinism Key features of Russian politics today-such simply because authoritarianism, Putin’s reliance about a small group of loyal friends and affiliates, state domination from the overall economy, and an assertive foreign policy-are traced towards the code of Putinism. Essential ideas from the code include conservatism, anti-Americanism, as well as the importance of a state that is powerful both at home and overseas. Dominant habits of Putin and his affiliates include control, order, and loyalty. Important feelings driving Russia’s rulers are the need for respect, resentment about lost position and mistreatment from the Western, and vulnerability.

Although some observers portray Putin as either a cold-blooded pragmatist or a strident Russian nationalist, Taylor offers a even more nuanced and compelling interpretation of Putin’s motives and actions.