Russia's Odd Couple
Vladimir Putin stressed his strong belief in national sovereignty last week when he lashed out against the respective governments intervening in Libya. Putin compared the military campaign there to “a medieval call for a crusade.” Medvedev in turn disagreed and stressed that “under no circumstances” should such an expression suggesting a “clash of civilizations” in Libya, be used. Many saw this open verbal dispute as a novel appearance in Russian politics. However, rather than a new development the Libya “crusade” dispute reveals the enduring traits of both Putin and Medvedev. If you want the yin and yang of Russian politics, look no further. On the one hand we have the yoga practicing Medvedev and on the other the Siberian Tiger shooting Putin. In a way the Russian state has the best of both worlds at its disposal.
If Russia needs an “innovative” leader to oversee its latest university cash splurge (namely Skolkovo University) Medvedev is ready to step up and sit on its international advisory board. Skolkovo University is already being deemed Russia’s up and coming Silicon Valley. With a whopping $100 million endowment ($249 million construction costs), the university has reeled in high profile visits in the past from Condoleezza Rice and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Furthermore if the booming contemporary art scene needs a “connoisseur” and professional hobby photographer to brace its exhibitions with his presence, Medvedev is just as useful, roaming the trendy warehouses of Moscow, showing his interest in “modern” Russia and its accomplishments.
Putin on the other hand is the weapon of choice for more raw or macho events. Putin recently joined the Serbian motorcycle gang “The Night Wolves” in leather gear while watching a youth football match sponsored by Gazprom. In order to cater to Putin’s interest in knights and shining armor, knights in armor (no kidding) held both the Russian and Serbian flags as the respective national anthems were played. It is with these macho-like colloquial visits that Putin keeps his Orthodox brothers at ease and enjoys higher support in Serbia than the Serbian president himself (as some Serbs jokingly suggest).
Even with the recent “disputes” between Medvedev and Putin it becomes clear that both complement each other. Medvedev shines bright as he underlines Russia’s innovative power, while Putin reminds his fellow supporters that he can not only throw you on the mat with his Judo black belt skills but also launch out against the West when needed. He won't hesitate to take action with his own hands—something Siberian tigers and whales have literally had to face in the past.
Tweet