Analyzing The Personality Traits Of Russian President Vladimir Putin

Background Information on Vladimir Putin

In the recent age of globalization and changes within the political aspects, it is necessary to focus on the personality aspects of the leaders and the psychological traits behind their activities. World affairs are driven by powerful personalities and considering their psychological traits their activities are analyzed. The assessment has focused on the personality traits of Russian President Vladimir Putin, considering his activities within his political career. Furthermore, the analysis of the personality traits will be considered as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM 5). Vladimir Putin is a former Intelligence Officer and he has filled the position of President since 2012. He was the Prime Minister of the country from 1999-to 2000 and again from 2008-to 2012 (Eksi & Wood, 2019). In conversation, Putin is highly attentive and while focusing on the issues he is very much knowledgeable. However, at the same time, he can be ignorant about the changing perspectives of Western life as well. Before propelled in 1999 the former KGB spy was quite reserved and soon he grew into a strong man and a narcissist (Roxburgh, 2021).

In 2021, Putinism was resilient as the President combined the power of a communist dictator with the appeal of a mafia boss and the populist appeal of a tsar. The opposition leader of the country faced an assassination attempt considering the opinion against the President. However, the President started with a collaborative approach and the lack of response from the other positions made him more authoritarian with the time. As per the view of Russia, his positive gestures at the beginning of his career as a Prime Minister and President were unanswered due to which the person focused on the authoritarian approach within his leadership. The man does not consider himself a philosophy fanatic. He has a keen interest in history, literature, and above all sports. However, he is not a scholar and addresses himself as a spy and thug in his earlier life (Eltchaninoff, 2018).

Narcissistic Personality Disorder can be identified through the pervasive pattern of fantasy or behavior. The urge for admiration and lack of sympathy can be initiated in early adulthood. Furthermore, the disorder can be diagnosed through the identification of self-importance. Along with that people suffering from this disorder consider themselves special and think they belong to someplace higher rather than their current positions and have a great sense of entitlement as well (DSM-5, 2018). 

Figure 1: Characteristics of NPD as pr DSM-5

(Source: Yakeley, 2018)

The psychoanalytic concept of narcissism was developed by Freud in 1914 and further analyzed by Kernberg and Kohurt considering it the main theme of their discussion. The implementation of objective relations theory can be considered focusing on the analysis of Putin's psychoanalysis. As per this theory narcissistic personality disorder can be developed from sexually and aggressive drives. Furthermore, it suggests that humans are generally driven and motivated by contact with others (Schalkwijk et al., 2021).

Considering these perspectives it can be identified that Putin has developed this disorder due to his early life activities and urge for power in a particular situation. The lack of intrinsic motivation and dismissive-avoidant attachment style is one of the major aspects of the disorder. Putin's activities within the political relations and his approach toward the other political leaders and his countrymen can be identified as an approach of dismissive-avoidant style. When asked about any sensitive issues the President becomes ignorant immediately, which expresses his avoidance regarding any topic that can make him uncomfortable (Lutsiv, 2021).  People suffering from NPD always consider self-importance and think that they are special and superior to others.

The Characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

After the death of two children of his parents, Putin was born in 1952 and addressed as a 'miracle child'. This aspect gave him a sense of entitlement at a very young age. As per Caroline Strawson, a trauma-informed therapist, a sense of superiority was developed in early childhood and Putin believes he should be loved by all individuals (Jempson, 2022).  Furthermore, it has been identified through the theory of the objective relation, that if the individuals suffering from NPD face a sense of unimportance, they might run for the winning game to gain worthiness. This can further lead to a lack of empathy and also a cruel person with no emotions at all.

Putin and his sculpted security have focused on the post-Soviet security psyche. He understood the benefits of cultivation and exploitation of power from other resources considering political, social, and informational sources. His propaganda of "Russia is always preparing for war" identifies his sense of power and superiority - another feature of NPD (Pagen, 2020).

Furthermore, it has been identified that he has a lack of empathy even for his own people. The recent incident attack on Ukraine elaborates his sense of superiority and entitlement and aggressiveness toward power.  Regarding the attack, the President stated that Ukraine exists on land that historically and rightfully belongs to Russia. Though his claims are illogical he achieved what he went for and that considers a very caustic and narcissistic personality type (www.thesun.co.uk, 2022). Furthermore, it has been identified that Putin wants to represent himself as an "alpha male" who lacks emotion, and empathy and has a strong sense of personality and power. It has not been hidden by the President as well. However, unlike the "alpha male," he is not protective. Instead of that, he can be identified as egocentric, arrogant, and devoid of empathy. The main reason behind this could be that he has been bullied in childhood. Therefore, his sense of power is distorted and he focuses on winning only without thinking about the consequences. Considering the attack on Ukraine if the President was to suffer from malignant narcissism, he would not collapse the war. However, he has shown some of the traits of malignant narcissism like- paranoia in which he severely isolates himself from others. Furthermore, his subsequent failure to conform to international standards considering his distorted beliefs is another aspect through which it can be considered that he is suffering from malignant narcissism (Wu et al., 2019).

Through the above discussion, the different aspects of personality development have been elaborated on. Through the analysis of the psychological and political characteristics of Putin, his psychological disorder has been identified. The features of narcissistic personality disorder have been aligned with his characteristics. The pathological self-absorption and addiction to fantasy are deep-rooted in childhood experience. The objective relations and interaction with other persons consider the development of perceptions within a child. Narcissism can be considered as an act of defense and a lack of empathy from the end of the parents. The unsatisfactory social relationships develop a sense of superiority in early adulthood. Furthermore, this context has elaborated on the reasons for narcissism within Putin. Narcissists describe themselves through high self-esteem, consciousness, and self-reported. On the contrary, their nonconscious feelings about themselves are not so positive (Miller et al., 2021).

The Psychoanalytic Concept of Narcissism

Through the analysis, I have come to know about personality development and traits. Along with that, the reasons for developing a particular personality have been elaborated. Through that, I identified different contributing factors that are shaping the personality of an individual. I developed a keen interest in personality disorders and their therapeutic measures as well. Considering the case of NPD, I have identified that the implementation of psychotherapy will help treat the disorder. Development of better relationships with other people and maintaining a positive connection would be helpful while considering the mitigation of the risk factors of the disorder (Genziana Lay, 2019). The distorted perception of the patient is the main reason for developing the disorder along with aggressive self-defense mechanisms. Considering this notion, I have identified that identification and intervention at the earlier stage are necessary to mitigate the possibility of developing the disorder. Furthermore, acceptance and maintenance of real relationships are necessary along with the identification of actual competence. Different perspectives of Putin's character have elaborated on his lack of empathy, regret, and remorse. Along with that, he does not like to take responsibility for his decisions if there is a negative outcome. Though the analysis would have been better through the implementation of psychometric tests, the observations of his characteristics have clarified his disorder along with the clarification of psychoanalysts. Furthermore, I have identified that, as per the analysis, Putin can be considered a less competent political leader who does not focus on the consequences when it comes to his countrymen as well.

While dealing with bad leaders one must take into account the welfare of his employees. The diplomatic approach and discussion considering constructive criticism might not work for these people. Instead of that, implementation and portrayal of more power can help tackle these types of leaders. However, one must understand that while dealing with this type of people the public humiliation and call out should be avoided as it might make them more vulnerable and aggressive.

References

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Eksi, B., & Wood, E. (2019). Right-wing populism as gendered performance: Janus-faced masculinity in the leadership of Vladimir Putin and Recep T. Erdogan. Theory And Society, 48(5), 733-751. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11186-019-09363-3

Eltchaninoff, M. (2018). Inside the mind of Vladimir Putin. Oxford University Press. https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=ap1YDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=vladimir+putin&ots=wdNYH-x2G8&sig=-PRubZofXEWdaW1dItRZRSdAfxM

Genziana Lay. (2019). Understanding Relational Dysfunction in Borderline, Narcissistic, and Antisocial Personality Disorders: Clinical Considerations, Presentation of Three Case Studies, and Implications for Therapeutic Intervention. Journal Of Psychology Research, 9(8). https://doi.org/10.17265/2159-5542/2019.08.001

Jempson, R. (2022). 'Golden child to malignant narcissist' World handed key to psychologically beat Putin. Express.co.uk. Retrieved 21 April 2022, from https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1577672/Vladimir-Putin-psychology-narcissist-Ukraine-war-russia-defeat.

Lutsiv, S. (2021). Prezydent Rosji W?adimir Putin i jego imperialne ambicje (President of Russia Vladimir Putin and His Imperial Ambitions). SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3875725

Miller, J., Back, M., Lynam, D., & Wright, A. (2021). Narcissism Today: What We Know and What We Need to Learn. Current Directions In Psychological Science, 30(6), 519-525. https://doi.org/10.1177/09637214211044109

Pagen, J. (2020). A New Russian Realpolitik: Putin’s Operationalization of Psychology and Propaganda. Global Security And Intelligence Studies, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.18278/gsis.5.1.5

Roxburgh, A. (2021). The strongman: Vladimir Putin and the struggle for Russia. Bloomsbury Publishing. https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=nLU-EAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=vladimir+putin&ots=Hq_kGTw6gg&sig=dBzx_2oGJeAqUBRuo1yeP_sIxM0

Schalkwijk, F., Luyten, P., Ingenhoven, T., & Dekker, J. (2021). Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Are Psychodynamic Theories and the Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders Finally Going to Meet?. Frontiers In Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.676733

Wu, W., Wang, H., Lee, H., Lin, Y., & Guo, F. (2019). How Machiavellianism, Psychopathy, and Narcissism Affect Sustainable Entrepreneurial Orientation: The Moderating Effect of Psychological Resilience. Frontiers In Psychology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00779

www.thesun.co.uk, 2022 Putin is egocentric, narcissistic & exhibits key traits of a psychopath. The Sun. (2022). Retrieved 21 April 2022, from https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/17783476/vladimir-putin-egocentric-narcissistic-psycopath/.

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