Inside the mind of Vladimir Putin. (2015)

“Too much power, for too long, has changed his brain to a point where his ego and country are one.

Ian H. Robertson, Professor of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin
The Telegraph, 24 February 2015

“…Putin’s control over the Russian media, judicial system and business world means that his personal psychology plays a much more important role in state policies than is the case for other countries.

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“Putin does not feel bound by the ordinary rules of civility. This, in turn, suggests that he may not be inclined to respect bigger rules – for instance those of the Minsk agreement.

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“A second key aspect of his personality is contempt. … a very problematic emotion because it abolishes empathy.

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“There is a third factor underlying Putin’s psychology: fear. … many perceived humiliations – senior US figures described his country as “Upper Volta with missiles” for instance – may have pushed this humiliation-sensitive man to a position of existential, Cold War-like opposition to the West …

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“Too much power, for too long, has changed his brain to a point where his ego and country are one.

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“…the only thing which will deter him … is firmness and deterrence”

Read the full article here: Inside the mind of Vladimir Putin