First, a bit of history.

     Russia. Founded in the 12th century, making it 900 years old, this gigantic Superpower spans 17,075,200 square kilometers and borders 14 other countries. It’s official name, the Russian Federation, was adopted after the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991 and has remained its official title ever since. Russia is home to 140,702,094 people and counting (nearly six times Australia’s population).

     Russia has a proud history, having endured slavery, famine, revolution, two terrible world wars and the geopolitical break-up of its empire. It stands today as harbouring the worlds biggest natural oil and gas reserves as well as the world’s largest stockpile of nuclear weapons. This makes it a tripple threat (size, resources and might) on the international scene. 

     But this was not always the case. Russia has accumilated its might through nearly 900 years of struggle and influence. When Vladimir Putin took over the presidency from Boris Yeltsin in 2000 he vowed to return Russia to its former greatness - and in the course of just 3-4 years did just that. Russia had been transformed from a third world basket-case into the world’s most feared and influential nation in this short period.

     But where does it go from here?

     The answer lies within the walls of the Duma, Russia’s Parliament. Ever since one-party rule ended in 1991 three political movements in particular (Pro-Russia, the Communist Party and the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia) have sought to take advantage of what was looking like Germany’s status in the 1920’s-early 1930’s. A nation reaching from the ruins of an empire for something reliable to hold on to. Putin changed that. Now Russia has a new, and uncertain, President in the form of Dmity Medvedev, a former law student who became the chairman of Russia’s oil and gas monopoly Gazprom. Putin, as Russia’s new Prime Minister, will retain much of his executive power through the continuity of his policy’s through Medvedev - but not forever.

     The one true firebrand of Russian politics is a man by the name of Vladimir Zhirinovsky.

     A colourful, intelligent intellectual who is head of the ultranationalist LDPR (Liberal Democratic Party of Russia). His policies range from annexing Alaska from the United States to forceably reclaiming the territories of the former Soviet Union, including non-CIS nations of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey. In December 1993 he stunned the world by claiming third place in Russia’s parliamentary elections and has remained an influential force in the Duma ever since, taking third place, nearly second on March 4, 2008, in all Presidential elections since then.

     What this means is that as Russians gradually become disillusioned with communism, the LDPR will claim more and more of the vote - and depending on how Putin’s Pro-Russia party performs without him as president, Zhirinovsky may very well win the next election. Ultimately, Zhirinovsky is seen as a wild card, but the United States in particular is taking this possibly extremely seriously. If elected, it would be Washington D.C, not Ukraine, Georgia or Chechnya, that would be attacked as the result of a stand-off with a resurgent Russia under his control.

     I have read Zhirinovsky’s book My Struggle which I personally found moving, intellectually fascinating and confronting. He speaks of creating common Trade Zones wherien each ‘Great Power’ would be responsible only for its continent or immediate sphere of influence. He argues that this would have both its political and environmental advantages in the sense that it would deter colonialism and reduce jet emissions and travel time where trade is concerned. For example, the US would have Canada and the Americas, Russia would have central Asia and the Middle East, and so on. In theory, it could almost work, but the world has changed very much since his book’s publishing, and his endeavour would be wrought with countless problems.

     I personally find Zhirinovsky a well-intentioned and exceptionally learned man, but I have my doubts about what kind of world we would live in under his rule. Not because of his policies or even his moral code, but how the West would act to contain him in the process of protecting their interests.

     Zhirinovsky was quoted as saying that, if elected, he would be a dictator. He is clear on this point for one reason. Russia cannot surpass its current greatness without the 100% smooth running of his platform. It may involve World War Three to accomplish that platform, but he doesn’t seem to mind. It is not enough for Zhirinovsky that Russia is a superpower. He believes that Russia is destined to reshape the world. To become its ultimate saviour from the evil grip of the United States, China and the European Union.

     As for the present, Russians seem to be happy with Pro-Russia in the seat of power at the Kremlin. But sensationalism must be gaurded against. Russians have a long history of turning to strong, fanatical leaders in time of despair. Thankfully, Russians do not see their current time as one of dispair. Employment is at a good level, the economy is booming and a strong sense of national pride has returned.

     But as we have seen, there can be no guarantees. Russia is fated to carry the burden of maintaining, or breaking, global status-quo. The choice is in the hands of the Russian electorate.

     This said, Medvedev must not fail.

     Yours Sincerely,  -BJH