Vladimir Putin is due to step down as Russia’s president next month. Whether he fades from the scene is doubtful as most feel he will be the real power behind the scene. Nonetheless, it will mark a period of transition, to what exactly no one knows.

Putin has ruled with the twin rods of fear and raw power, both are part of the fabric of Russian rule and politics. While he has established a measure of stability and prosperity, largely based on energy revenues, many question the foundation upon which this image is built, and at what price.

The recent overflight of a United States aircraft carrier by a Russian bomber is probably a sign of swagger and recklessness rather than prudence and wisdom. It does not bode well for the future.

This article in the Financial Times offers good background on the subject at this point. A quote from the article:
In place of erstwhile hopes for the emergence of a pro-western Russian democracy, we have proto-fascism: aggrieved nationalism; bullying of smaller nations; a cult of the strong leader; suspicion of enemies within; and resentment of foreigners. Yet Russia is also a nuclear-armed state with vast energy resources. That makes this development worrying, as well as depressing. Russia has chosen the statecraft of fear over the promise of freedom.