Putin's Russia is a political era defined by the leadership of Vladimir Putin, who has held dominant influence over the country since 1999, serving as both president and prime minister. His governance style is often described as centralized, with significant power concentrated in the executive branch and a strong state presence in media, security, and major industries.
Economically, Russia has combined market elements with heavy state involvement, particularly in energy sectors such as oil and gas, which remain central to its global exports. Foreign policy under Putin has emphasized reasserting Russia's influence in former Soviet regions and challenging Western alliances such as NATO and the European Union. Since 2014, and especially after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia has faced extensive international sanctions, military conflict, and diplomatic isolation from many Western countries.
Domestically, critics argue that political competition is limited, with restrictions on opposition parties and increased control over independent media and public discourse. Supporters, however, view Putin as a stabilizing force who restored order after the turbulent 1990s and strengthened Russia's global standing.
Overall, Putin's Russia remains a complex and contested subject, shaped by power politics, national identity, and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the 21st century world affairs arena.