Vladimir Putin s return to the Kremlin for a third presidential term in 2012 has seen Russian democracy further weaken and Russia s relations with the West seriously deteriorate. Yet within Russia Putin s position remains unchallenged and his foreign policy battles have received widespread public support.

Vladimir Putin s return to the Kremlin for a third presidential term in 2012 has seen Russian democracy further weaken and Russia s relations with the West seriously deteriorate. Yet within Russia Putin s position remains unchallenged and his foreign policy battles have received widespread public support.