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[[Image:Vladtheimpaler.jpg|right|thumb|Vladimir Putin]]

[[Image:Vladtheimpaler.jpg|right|thumb|Vladimir Putin]]

'''Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin''' ([[Russian language|Russian]]: Владимир Владимирович Путин) (born October 7, 1952) is the [[prime minister]] of the [[Russian Federation]] (since May 8, 2008). He previously was [[president]] of Russia, assuming that office as acting president on December 31, 1999, the day [[Boris Yeltsin]] resigned from the presidency. Putin was later elected president by approximately 52.94 percent of the Russian electorate on March 26, 2000. He is mainly backed by the [[United Russia]] (''Единая Россия'') party, which currently holds a majority in the lower chamber of the Russian parliament, known as the ''Duma''.  The party usually reflects the political views of Putin, which are that of moderate conservatism and nationalism. On March 14, 2004, he was elected to a second term as president with 71 percent of the vote. Barred from a third term by the Russian constitution, Putin ceded the presidency to [[Dmitry Medvedev]] on May 7, 2008.  

'''Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin''' ([[Russian language|Russian]]: Владимир Владимирович Путин) (born October 7, 1952) is the [[prime minister]] of the [[Russian Federation]] (since May 8, 2008). He previously was [[president]] of Russia, assuming that office as acting president on December 31, 1999, the day [[Boris Yeltsin]] resigned from the presidency. Putin was later elected president by 54% of the electorate on March 26, 2000. He is mainly backed by the [[United Russia]] (''Единая Россия'') party, which currently holds a majority in the lower chamber of the Russian parliament, known as the ''Duma''.  The party usually reflects the political views of Putin, which are that of moderate conservatism and nationalism. On March 14, 2004, he was elected to a second term as president with 71 percent of the vote. Barred from a third term by the Russian constitution, Putin ceded the presidency to [[Dmitry Medvedev]] on May 7, 2008 and became Prime Minister. He shares power with the more moderate Medvedev.

 

Putin has ruled Russia harshly in the style of the Czars--albeit not in the style of the Soviets. He gains popularity every time he challenges the U.S. or Europe, or sends troops to harass Georgia. Putin's Russia is an authoritarian system, with restricted, capitalism a rubber stamp parliament, pliant media, imprisoned or exiled oligarchs, harassed NGOs, marginalized pro-Western, democratic parties, and a foreign policy based on bullying and miltary strength, all based on money from oil and gas.

==Background==

==Background==

Putin was born in [[Leningrad]] on [[October]] 7, 1952 and was baptized as an Orthodox Christian and continue to be a member to this day.  He was educated in law and economics at Leningrad State University before being assigned to work in the [[GRU]].<ref>[http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htmurph/articles/20090821.aspx Killing The KGB Myth],

Putin was born in [[Leningrad]] on [[October]] 7, 1952 and was baptized as an Orthodox Christian and continue to be a member to this day.  He was educated in law and economics at Leningrad State University before being assigned to work in the [[GRU]].<ref>[http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htmurph/articles/20090821.aspx Killing The KGB Myth],

August 21, 2009.</ref>  After five years in [[East Germany]], he took up various political positions before becoming [[prime minister]] in 1999.   

August 21, 2009.</ref>  After five years in [[East Germany]], he took up various political positions before becoming [[prime minister]] in 1999.