title: Putin's empire of the mind
abstract: The article discusses Russian imperialism and exceptionalism, with a particular focus on the policies and beliefs of Russian president Vladimir Putin. It is suggested Putin has shifted from a pragmatic to an ideological mindset over the course of his career, becoming more focused on the concept of a great and unique destiny for Russia and on his role in the country's leadership. According to the author, these changes have limited the ability of the U.S. and other Western governments to communica
journal: Foreign Policy