The New Tsar: The Rise and Reign of Vladimir Putin by Steven Lee Myers

Vladimir Putin has been Russia’s premier and de facto leader since 2000, and his influence continues to shape the future of Russia. Journalist Steven Lee Myers’ book “The New Tsar: The Rise and Reign of Vladimir Putin” provides an in-depth and authoritative look at Putin's rise to power and his tenure as the leader of the Russian state.

Myers starts by providing an overview of Putin’s career, beginning with his roots in the humblest of backgrounds and tracing his progress as a KGB officer, to an influential legislative figure, and finally to the highest political office in the Russian Federation. Myers paints Putin as a man of ambition and decisiveness, a leader who is prepared to take risks in his pursuit of power.

Myers then focuses on Putin’s time as leader of Russia, emphasizing his skillful use of diplomatic and economic tactics. Myers explains the personal nature of Putin’s leadership style, noting that he is customarily more likely to take advice from a close cabinet advisor than from leading academics or an institutionalized decision-making process. The author also highlights the methods used by Putin to entrench himself firmly in power. Myers argues that Putin has been remarkably successful in manipulating public opinion in his favor, taking advantage of Russian nostalgia for an earlier era of authoritarian rulers.

Myers traces the impact of Putin’s leadership on Russia and on the world, looking in particular at the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the conflict in Syria. The author delves into the numerous foreign policy and economic problems that have bedeviled the Putin era since his first election. He also examines the allegations of corruption and human rights abuses against Putin’s government.

Myers’ biography is both illuminating and comprehensive. It offers readers a detailed understanding of the nature of Putin’s rule and of the challenges he has faced while leading Russia. By looking at Putin’s career in an honest and unbiased manner, Myers sheds light on this controversial figure and provides food for thought for readers seeking to understand the course that modern Russia has taken.