Does Putin want the Soviet Union back?
The question of whether Vladimir Putin has ambitions to recreate the Soviet Union is one that has garnered significant attention over recent years. However, a careful analysis suggests that this is not the case. While Putin certainly has an interest in exerting Russian influence over neighboring countries, his goals are more nuanced and are not aimed at re-establishing the Soviet system.
Missed Opportunity in 2008: Georgia
In 2008, when the opportunity presented itself to absorb Georgia, Putin chose not to act. This decision suggests that his goals are more limited than the full-scale recreation of the Soviet Union. Instead, his focus lies in creating a stable geopolitical environment that maintains Russian influence and security.
Belarus and Ukraine: Strategic Goals
Speculating on Putin's motives for his interest in Belarus and Ukraine reveals two primary reasons. Firstly, Russia fears potential military invasions from the west. A friendly buffer state serves as a deterrent and a means to secure its eastern borders. Secondly, a prosperous and vital Ukraine, with a similar ethnic and cultural background, fuels personal and national jealousy. This situation highlights why Putin might seek to bring Ukraine closer to Russia, leveraging geopolitical advantages over a Western-oriented neighbor.
No Desire for the Soviet System
It is worth noting that Putin is more interested in modernizing Russia than reverting to failed ideologies. The USSR was built on the foundation of Marxism, which is not part of Putin's current political narrative. In fact, if one pays attention to what Putin actually says, his focus is more on building a strong and stable modern Russia.
The Fall of the USSR and the Russian Empire
Putin's nostalgia for the USSR's power and influence is real. He views the collapse of the USSR as a significant geopolitical setback, a loss of a dominant global player that Russia can no longer be without. However, he is aware that Russia is now a different country than the USSR. He does not have concrete plans to forcefully reconquer former Soviet territories. Instead, his ambition is more about reversing geopolitical gains made by Western countries since 1991, such as the expansion of NATO.
The Russian Empire: A Perceived Ideal
While Putin has expressed his wish to recapture some of the lost power and influence of the USSR, his ultimate goal is not to recreate the Soviet Union. Rather, he aims to bring back the Russian Empire, a bygone era he sees as the pinnacle of Russian greatness. Putin desires to solidify his legacy as Russia's greatest ruler, bringing together the former Russian Empire and exerting influence over Eastern Europe.
It is clear that Putin's ambitions are more about restoring Russian influence and power than recreating the Soviet Union. His vision is one of a return to a powerful and influential Russia, rather than a return to the ideological and political structures of the past.