ABSTRACT
In general, Putinism is a term mostly used in the Western media and by Russian analysts to define the mafia character of the presidential regime installed by Vladimir Putin after the resignation of Boris Yeltsin on 31 December 1999. Like all similar brands of Bonapartism, Putinism trusts in national values and, in times of hardship and/or prosperity, also shows its social face to the population. Both terms are always used in an unfavourable sense. Both systems are certainly not based on doctrinal concepts, but trust in national and traditional values and refer to strong political leadership, the armed forces, populism and plebicitism. Putin’s strong leadership can, however, always be challenged by waves of popular discontent. This was especially the case during the Russian “winter of discontent” of 2011–12, when urban masses expressed an increased appetite for political liberalization and freedom. Since then Putin’s loss of support in society adds another complication to his regime: he may no longer be able to exert the same authority as before to resolve major disputes.
