Putin's Re-election and Its Consequences: A Threat to Europe and the World

Some 24 years after Vladimir Putin was elected to his first term as Russia’s president, the upcoming electoral procession for a potential fifth term is emblematic of the damage he has caused. This includes squashing political competition at home and bringing large-scale war back to the European continent. The latest election has been criticized as a 'sham' due to the absence of real rivals, many of whom are exiled, imprisoned, or deceased. The Kremlin's failure to modernize the economy and the shift to a war footing have led to immense long-term damage from international sanctions. Additionally, the launching of the conflict has strained Moscow's relations with Euro-Atlantic countries and intensified its reliance on an unequal alliance with China. The extent of support for Putin is difficult to gauge, as foreign media reporting has been restricted and opinion polling is hampered by wariness to express views openly. However, there are indications of dissent, as seen through the significant turnout to pay respects to Alexei Navalny and queues reported at polling stations for a protest against Putin. The re-election of Putin poses a significant threat, and the failure of his misbegotten war remains the most likely factor to prevent his potential sixth term.