Russia's Geopolitical Imperatives

The Kremlin is buzzing with rumors of further reshuffles, restructurings and dismissals by Russian President Vladimir Putin after the latest ejection of the prime minister and Cabinet on Sept. 12. During almost eight years in office, Putin often has used confusion and chaos to consolidate power over the once-unwieldy Russia. The only thing that is certain in all the disarray is that Putin is in the driver's seat, and he is determined to lead Russia back to its status as a "Great Power."