Forbes compared the contrasting leadership styles of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, noting that “while Zelensky’s is worthy of emulation, Putin’s should be avoided at all costs by corporate executives.”
As part of its informal survey of expert views on the presidents’ strategies and tactics, Forbes included MITRE Chairman Mike Rogers.
“Putin mistook tactical success for strategic success. Occupying Georgia and facing no real consequences allowed him to believe he could do more in the name of a resurgent Russia,” noted Rogers. “Putin has continued aggressive language toward his neighbors, succeeded in launching misinformation campaigns across former Eastern Bloc countries, modernizing Russian military efforts and politically, and fracturing the European Union—all allowing him to believe he was in a stronger position than he’s actually in.”
Rogers added, “As liberal democracies united in front of him, he was forced to return to the days of reminding the world that he has nukes and is not afraid to use them. As he has become stronger, Putin’s leadership circle has gotten smaller and more isolated, which has lost him tremendous opportunities to modernize Russia’s economy.”