"Russia vs. The West" Trilogy (Part 1 of 3) ~ "Putinocracy"

PUTINOCRACY

Did you ever wonder why Putin kept going with the alpha-male, macho photoshoots that were ridiculed so much in the West? Surely he must have realised early on that so many people were laughing at the staged photo-ops? Well, I have a theory.

Someone told me recently about a documentary examining what women found attractive in men. It turns out that in 1st world countries, where people have met needs such as a home, a meaningful job and a stable income women find 'advanced living skills' such as charm and humour attractive. However, in less developed countries where meeting the aforementioned needs is still a priority, women are attracted to more traditional traits of masculinity: strength and earning potential.

“It's become something of a mantra in Moscow to say that Russians are so pleased with the way their macho leader is "standing up to the West" and "defending compatriots abroad" that they are prepared "to forgive him everything" - from widespread poverty to endemic corruption and police brutality.”

“Russians opposed to Putin”

Russia's economy and living standards are still developing after the collapse of the USSR and the 'wild' 90's. Add to that the traditional Russian patriarchal culture and this might start to explain why Putin cares so much about projecting an alpha-male image. Keep in mind that this stuff works on a subconscious, primal level as well as with people who are not so educated and / or thoughtful. People who are used to the tough Russian environment of survival are impressed. Women find it appealing, men feel a sense of respect. Not everyone, of course, but especially the ones who aren't critical to propaganda.

People in the West can laugh but many Russians are convinced that strength is respected on the world stage and weakness is extremely damaging. Putin's actions and PR are very consistent with AMOGing (Alpha Male Of the Group, a term popularised by pick-up artist Neil Strauss in his famous book The Game). It's basically males in a group trying to establish their superiority as the 'alpha'. So, Putin and his advisors may be playing a very effective game of psychological manipulation fitting quite well the Russian cultural values and current economic situation. 

I think this is an important and core aspect of Putinocracy that must be understood for engaging effectively with Russia.