Russian President Vladimir Putin, already the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Joseph Stalin, embarked on his fifth term following his inauguration ceremony at the Kremlin on May 7, 2024. With an extensive tenure that has spanned over two decades, Putin’s Russia has regained its superpower status, echoing the influence of the erstwhile Soviet Union.

Putin, having engineered constitutional amendments that could extend his presidency to 2036, remains a controversial figure.

His leadership has witnessed the annexation of Crimea, military interventions in Syria, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine—moves that have drawn international condemnation but have also resonated with nationalist sentiment at home.

This inauguration came against the backdrop of a changing geopolitical landscape.

In his inaugural address, Putin vowed to continue building “a multipolar world and an equal and indivisible security system,” a stance that has been a constant throughout his time in office. He argued against the “monopolistic dominance” of the West in global relations, emphasizing the emergence of a more equitable international order with strengthened ties with Eurasian partners.

Experts have offered mixed predictions for Putin’s new term. Skepticism remains that relations with the West could improve while the war in Ukraine continues.

Some, like Angela Stent, believe even an end to the war may not be enough to change dynamics under Putin. In contrast, a potential victory by Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election could, as per Gary Samore, lead to improved relations between Washington and Moscow.

Domestically, Putin’s economic strategy has seen Russia through financial crises and the COVID-19 pandemic, with efforts to stabilize the population and improve national infrastructure.

Yet, his administration has been marked by allegations of widespread corruption and human rights violations, with a clampdown on political opposition and independent media.

Internationally, the Kremlin has actively sought to expand its influence, leveraging its energy supplies and military capabilities. The conflict in Ukraine stands as a testament to Putin’s willingness to assert Russia’s power, despite facing Western sanctions and condemnation.

With the International Criminal Court issuing an arrest warrant for Putin for alleged war crimes, there seems to be a widening gap between Russia and the West. Meanwhile, Putin finds support in many Asian and African countries, with relationships built on mutual respect and shared skepticism towards Western hegemony.

In essence, the start of Putin’s fifth term does not indicate a radical shift in Russian policies but rather an intensification of his long-standing objectives.

As the world contemplates the implications of a prolonged Putin presidency, the quest for a multipolar world order becomes more pronounced, challenging the established norms of international relations and raising questions about the future of global stability.

Relevant articles:
– As Putin starts his new term, is the world heading towards multi-polarity?, Firstpost
– Expert Survey: What to Expect From Putin’s Fifth Term?, Russia Matters
– Putin confident new multipolar world order will be more just, democratic, TASS
– Putin’s Call For Multipolarity: How Good Is It For The U.S.?, MEMRI