by Dennis Liu

Created on: April 28, 2008

A British historian and moralist Lord Acton coined the phrase, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men." History has shown that many individuals who were in positions of power had the tendency to abuse them. Many established democracies have tried to create a system that would prevent such corruption, but corruption still exists in even established democracies. Often democracies fail when leaders refuse to give up their power, and Africa is a perfect example of failed democracies. Could Russia also be a failed democracy in the near future? Since the fall of the Soviet Union, and during Yeltsin's presidency, Russia has seen its fall from a super power. However, Russia has experienced a very different leadership since Putin came into office. During his presidency, he has consolidated his power and extinguished any notable opposition, and this is why Putin will continue to control the future of Russia.

Although Putin made administrative changes to consolidate power, but what makes Putin to likely control the future of Russia was how he oppressed political opponents and freedom of speech. As Putin made administrative changes, he also imprisoned several executives for tax evasion, but many of these prosecution were political motivated. In addition, Putin also slowly tightened the government's control over media, and censored many stories that involved Chechnya. Strangely, journalists that covered corruption and abuses of the Russian Army in Chechnya were found dead.

Most recently, Putin is presidency is ending due to term limits, but his successor is hand picked by him to ensure that his influence and power would remain. He personally chose Dmitry Medvedev, to become the next president. Medvedev was easily elected as president. Putin also said that he would gladly accept the position of prime minister if Medvedev appointed him to that position, and most likely, he would. In addition, Putin was also chosen to serve as the chairperson of the United Russia Party.

President Putin's history shows that he is not willingly to give up power yet. He does not change the constitution to stay in power, but simply circumvents it. Although Medvedev will have the title of President, most likely, he will only be a figurehead, and the true power will lie with Putin. If Medvedev steps out of Putin's shadow, he certainly will not last long as President.

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