Trust in Putin: A Critical Analysis

October 2023 saw a resurgence of discussions around the trustworthiness of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Given the myriad of actions and statements by Putin, questions emerge: who, if anyone, actually trusts him?

Creating Trust: A Framework

Understanding the basis of trust is crucial to evaluate Putin's standing. Trust, in our analysis, is generated through adherence to eight fundamental principles. Individuals who violate these principles, such as Putin, disintegrate trust.

Putin's Violation of Trust Principles

Putin's behavior consistently violates each of these eight principles. He does so with arrogance and impunity, making him a person whom no one should trust. The confusion between power and trust is a significant and often misunderstood aspect of leadership. Power may attract allies, but trust is earned through integrity and character.
For instance, Putin's assertions about sending troops to Crimea to protect ethnic Russians in 2014 and his rhetoric about protecting people in Donbass in 2023 illustrate a pattern of deception. These actions were not just vague justifications but laid bare the annexation and war that followed.

European Leaders and Putin's Influence

Some European leaders harbor a strange attachment to Putin, supported by Russian bots and fanboys. These figures include Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who have shown reluctance to sever ties with Russia despite public statements of opposition.

European Leaders' Ties to Putin

For instance, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been criticized for accepting Russian money for his political campaigns, signaling a flawed form of trust. Similarly, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's policy of leaning towards Russia has been both praised and criticized, but it highlights the complex relationship between fidelity to one's nation and political pragmatism.

Subsidiary Examples of Unresolved Trust Issues

Several other examples further underscore the issue of trust in Putin. Russian political influence extends to the European Parliament, causing concern among anti-establishment parties like Marine Le Pen's National Rally in France. Furthermore, UK Conservative MPs have been accused of accepting Russian money, which cements the idea that trust in Putin is not solely reserved for the Russian populace.

Football fans and sports organizations find it challenging to ban all Russian athletes, despite evidence of state-sponsored doping. These institutions often prioritize economic benefits over ethical considerations, representing another layer of trust issues.

The Price of Trust

For some, trust in Putin is critical, as evidenced by the decisions of countries to rely on Russian energy supplies. This decision reflects an implicit belief that Putin is not a monster, despite his actions making him exactly that. Nations that keep warm and run their cars on Russian energy do so with a degree of risk, trusting Putin to not unleash another crisis that could disrupt their energy chains.

Conclusion: A Call for Transparency and Integrity

As discussions around trust in Putin continue, it is essential to revisit core principles of leadership and governance. Trust is earned through transparency, integrity, and a commitment to the greater good. Leaders who violate these principles, like Putin, are not only in danger of losing the trust of their own people but also of the international community.

The question of who trusts Putin and why is complex and multifaceted. However, one thing remains clear: true trust cannot be built on deceit and political expedience.