In this week’s media highlights, Leonid Bershidsky discusses in Bloomberg View Vladimir Putin’s annual press-conference, arguing that his loyalties may be in fact the president’s biggest weakness. Also, in the National Interest, Paul Starobin writes that current U.S. reports and analysis on Russia lacks depth and understanding.
Vladimir Putin during his annual press conference on December 17, 2015. Photo: Artyom Korotayev / TASS.
Putin, Up Close and Personal
Leonid Bershidsky, Bloomberg View
Bershidsky argues that Putin’s annual news conference this Thursday clearly showed how the president views people and states as either enemies or allies and treats them accordingly. But will he be able to sacrifice some of his loyal ties in order to save the Russian economy?
Kremlin Caricature: Washington's Distorted View of Russia and Putin
Paul Starobin, The National Interest
Starobin criticizes U.S. political leaders and media outlets for failing to analyze U.S.-Russia relations from a more logical perspective that does not indulge in caricatures of Russia. Furthermore, the U.S. must come to understand its limitations in a multipolar world, says Starobin.
Russia's TV Talk Shows Smooth Putin's Way From Crisis to Crisis
The Washington Post
While Russian news programs outline the state's agenda, immensely popular political talk shows shape public opinion by featuring debates that reinforce the power of the majority, say Russian analysts. How long will the television be able to help ignore the refrigerator?
Gas Wars: Turkey Tries to Push Russia Aside
Nikolay Pakhomov, The National Interest
Current rocky relations between Ankara and Moscow raise the question of where Turkey will find an alternative source of natural gas to supply its growing consumption. Pakhomov discusses the feasibility of Iran or Azerbaijan as the next best options.
