Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (left) speaks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

The Russian Federation was very weak under Boris Yeltsin, however, this nation became transformed under ex-President Putin. This transformation, however, is not finished and now PM Putin and President Medvedev must take this "revolution" a step further in order to really galvanize the Russian Federation. Therefore, can both leaders meet the heavy demands and problems that they face?

Under the leadership of President Putin the Russian Federation developed her energy sector and this sector was also used in order to influence vast parts of Europe and Asia . At the same time, the tax system was changed in order to strengthen the central government and this new money would help to finance many projects. Therefore, instead of a moribund tax system and having limited control over resources, Putin did a full u-turn because government control increased.

In the field of international relations and power politics, Putin also salvaged pride because now Russia`s influence is growing in many parts of the world. This notably applies to central Asia, northeast Asia, and because of energy, in parts of Europe. Also, the Russian Federation often clashed with America when a middle way could not be found and this highlighted the independence of the Russian Federation. So from possible disintegration to global influence within the geopolitical region of the Russian Federation was enacted by Putin when he was in charge of this diverse nation.

In the field of military influence then it is abundantly clear that both China and India, respectively, rely on Russia`s technology. Also, the Russian Federation is trying to build a strong relationship with China via the Shanghai 6 organization and they want to strengthen Chinese-Indian relations. The reason for the latter is multiple. Firstly, to prevent American hegemony and secondly, to form a strong bedrock of stability because of the genuine fear of radical Islam. Also, these powers could be divided by other nations via petty disputes over land or resources, therefore, unity or a shared vision was needed.


These objectives on the whole have been met or are in the pipeline, therefore, now it is time for the next part of the "revolution" and this applies to internal issues. Therefore, the new PM, Putin, must work alongside President Medvedev in order to develop the infrastructure and help the people of this nation. Of course this is not going to be easy, however, the price of oil and other commodities is helping the economy.

So now PM Putin must focus on more mundane issues but they are still vital. Given this, wages need to develop inline with economic growth, pensioners must have a higher standard of living, money must be spent on the health care system, public works, and education; and, the demographic time-bomb must also be solved via financial inducements and local government support via networks. Therefore, these complex issues need both leaders to work together and dynamism is essential.

Also, Putin and Medvedev must diversify the economy and this applies to focusing on many other vital sectors. At the moment too much emphasis is put on military sales and energy supplies. Therefore, other sectors like banking, manufacturing, hi-tech companies, I.T. sector, and other areas, must be developed. If this happens, then you will have had a "revolution" within the Russian Federation.

Overall, if we look at the positives and negatives of Putin, then clearly the positives outshine any negatives and now he must work closely with Medvedev. Providing both leaders can work together and internal investment keeps on flowing, then Russia`s future looks bright. Therefore, it is hoped that the internal market will remain stable and that both leaders will continue to modernize this developing nation and transform the Russian Federation into a genuine power.

Lee Jay Walker Dip BA MA
http://journals.aol.com/leejaywalker/uk/