a one hour presentation- table of contents

 A look at the career of Vladimir Putin, as an autocrat who is corrupt, competent, brutal and enigmatic.

The war is a tragedy but for now, Putin remains popular. There is a discussion of what could topple Putin. There is an examination of the policies and actions that could lead to a new “Cold War.” Who would believe that Russia could be the leading food producer in the world in the future? But that is a real possibility. It is one of the results of Putin’s competence. There is a full examination of:

• Why the Jewish Autonomous Jewish Region is growing after years of decline. 
• The opening of the Northern Passage and impact on international trade.
• The points of conflict within the Artic Council and the Paris Accords.
• The role of China in supporting Russia’s goals.
• Ukraine – a brief history and possible outcomes.
• A look into the environmental challenges facing all nations.

I have been involved with the former Soviet Union and Russia since 1986 and have made more than 60 round trips. My last trip was in 2018. I lived in Moscow from 1990 and 1995 and witnessed the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1) My involvement with the USSR/RUSSIA since 1986

2) Lived in Moscow 1988 to 1994 – made 60+ round trips

I Vladimir Putin

1) A self-portrait

II Short Biography

1) Member of KGB

2) Vice Mayor of St. Petersburg

3) President of Russia

4) Family

III Accomplishments – Reasons for Popularity

1) Raised living standards

2) Brought back Russian pride

3) Defeated Chechen terrorists

4) Stood up to the West

IV Corruption

1) Personal/cultural

2) Friends and associates

3) Immunity for life

V Competence

1) Brought order to Russian society

2) Upgraded military

3) Successfully organized Winter Olympics

4) Acted on global warming

VI Environmentalist

1) Recognized challenges of global warming

2) Recognized benefits to Russian agriculture

3) Recognized benefits to opening Northern Passage

4) Member of Arctic Council

5) Signed Paris Accords

VII Controversies

1) Seizing the Crimea

2) Claiming Eastern Ukraine

3) Claiming 465.000 sq miles in the Artic

4) Arresting political opponents

5) Clamp down on the Press

VIII – Elections in 2024

IX - Is a new “Cold War” possible?