ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the whether or not the Putin regime had succeeded in rebuilding Russia as a strong state by 2004. It examines the key tenets of Putin's rebuilding programme for Russia, it then considers Russia's changing foreign relations, particularly its growing disillusionment with the West, the effect of the colour revolutions and the impact this had on its perceptions of the domestic sphere. The chapter explores by the end of 2004, the main goals of this rebuilding programme had been achieved, the main pillars and structure of the Putin system had been put in place and Russia was ready to enter the next stage of its development. Alongside the rebuilding agenda in the internal sphere, this project was also carried out in Russia's external relations. On the one hand, the Putin regime increasingly presented Russia as a growing and progressively stronger actor in international affairs as a result of its rebuilding efforts.
