Vladimir Putin uses his favorability rating, currently in the mid-80s, to legitimize his regime, crack down on political opposition, war against Ukraine, and threatening posture toward the West. His rating, he claims, proves that he is doing what is good for Russia. How else to explain his “atmospheric” and “Teflon” approval, amid double-digit inflation, an accelerating recession, declining living standards, and international pariah status—with no end in sight?
Read Full Article »
