President Putin Vs. President Trump: A Dangerous Parallel | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

President Putin Vs. President Trump: A Dangerous Parallel

The unsettling parallels between two authoritarian leaders

13
President Putin Vs. President Trump: A Dangerous Parallel
trbimg.com

During the election campaign, and even after, we hear Donald Trump praising President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation. Because of this, I decided to read a biography of President Putin, written by a critical journalist from Russia.

The information presented in the text was frightening and disturbing. Even more so that our president would be willing to praise, and desire a stronger bond with, President Putin.

During the waning days of the Soviet Union, the KGB attempted an unsuccessful coup against the Soviet Premier Gorbachev, due to his reforms that were threatening the communist ideology. Boris Yeltsin helped quell the coup and went on to run for the presidency, following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Yeltsin was the first and only democratically elected Russian Federation president.

Yeltsin became increasingly unpopular as Russia transitioned from communism to capitalism. He was blamed as people lost their savings, were no longer guaranteed work and social care, as well as the increasing corruption in the government and business. Towards the end there were only a handful of close advisors and family that remained loyal to him.

Out of fear of facing prosecution, once Yeltsin was out of office and no longer had immunity, the people decided to seek a successor that would be favorable to them.

Vladimir Putin was a KGB officer that spent time in East Germany during the Cold War, and served in various other positions throughout Leningrad. He caught the attention of Yelstin’s people for declining a bribery attempt. He also appeared to be dull and malleable.

Yelstin’s circle believed they could mold Putin into the politician they wanted and decided to appoint him to the Prime Minister position. Finally, Yeltsin decided to resign over six months early and Putin became acting president. It would be easier for Putin to run for election as an incumbent, and prevent a further decline in popularity for Yeltsin.

Once in office, President Putin began to show his true character and became extremely authoritarian as time went on. During this time were several hostage crises in schools and movie theaters savagely resolved by the army.

This resulted in many civilian deaths and crackdowns on journalists, as well as the state buying the media outlets and prosecuting dissidents. Putin used the hostage crises as an incentive to suspend the electoral process for the regional governors and Duma members. The governors would be appointed by him now and the parliamentarians were now indirectly by the election results for political parties.

The presidency became the only directly elected position. Political parties and candidates had to register with the government, be approved and reach an unattainable number of signatures on a petition to exist and run for office.

Putin reached the end of his constitutionally allowed terms in office. He appointed Dimitri Medvedev as his successor who then promptly appointed Putin as Prime Minister. Russia erupted with protests, but were quickly suppressed.

Medvedev passed an amendment to extend the presidential terms. After President Medvedev served his terms, Putin ran again – and in a five way race, he “won” with over 60 percent of the vote.

Various cases of voter fraud were reported. Pre-filled ballots were taken to psychiatric hospitals for the patients to certify, and election workers were coercing elderly voters as they “assisted” with the process.

In the United States now, we can see inklings of these tendencies in President Trump. Any negative coverage of either man is considered dissension, fake and libelous. Narcissism and grandiosity are present, as well as the desire to squash opposition. Lies and manipulation of facts are not something to be ashamed of. Even extensive overreach of executive powers and sidelining the legislature are both present.

We need to take heed of the affairs of other countries, and the parallels that are occuring within our country.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23593
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9854
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7136
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments