In the past sixty years Europe refused its imperial ambitions and became a "small country" in military terms, while its soft power and economic power became more important for the European leaders. In Russia, however, soft power is non-existent, so Russia’s claim as one of the global leaders can only be asserted by demonstrations of its hard power.

       Valdaiclub.com interview with Alexander Rahr, Director of the Russia/Eurasia Program, German Council on Foreign Relations, Berlin, and member of the Valdai Discussion Club Advisory Board.

       What impression did Putin’s inauguration make upon you?

       Putin’s inauguration was clearly a sign. This ceremony was very much alike coronation or Tzar’s anointment rather that the technical process of newly elected president’s inauguration. However, this spectacular ceremony is greatly welcomed in Russia, because such a grandiose ceremony demonstrates Russia’s sovereignty and authority and power of Russia’s leader. Finally, the ceremony shows Russia as one of the leading global powers. It is in this aspect the 2012 inauguration is no different from the ceremonies we have witnessed since the creation of presidential republic in Russia.

       However, one of the most vivid impressions I had was Vladimir Putin’s ride to Kremlin. Empty city and blocked streets are dramatically different from the European inaugurations, where the right to freely move around the city is not violated except for indispensable minimum needed to ensure chancellor or president’s security.

       I don’t quite understand why nobody was allowed to the streets Putin’s motorcade drove down. On the contrary, the president shall be greeted by his electorate, as it happened in France. In Russia it is even possible to put some people along the streets so they can greet Putin with flags and banners.

       It is possible that these harsh measures were taken due to threats of terrorist attacks reported by the Russian media in the end of 2011 or they are connected with assassination attempts on Putin. It is also quite probable that the security service had some information of this kind and decided to avoid all the risks.

       Could it be a result of the opposition protests?

       We shall not overestimate opposition’s influence on the authorities’ point of view. Certainly, a sufficiently large part of society expresses its protest and the government should at least listen to those who are ready for a constructive dialogue, but their weight can not be overestimated. The Russian president and parliament are absolutely stable institutions, but it is undeniable that the protesting youth and middle class are underrepresented in the existing state structures, thus if they continue to be excluded from the political system the protests will continue.

       How are these protests assessed in Europe?

       The West sees these protests and takes them into account, but European and American elites believe that Putin has no alternative, and that the political system is very stable. However, the protests themselves are considered as an integral part of moving towards democracy. In this respect, Russia is no different from Greece with its rioting and street fighting, or from Germany, where the May Day demonstrations often turn into violent outbursts. The crisis plays its role and the protests are going on all over Europe, in Italy, Spain and Portugal.

       At the same time there are Western forces who believe that the post-Soviet political systems are not yet fully legitimate and that they should be deeply reformed, and only then those systems will be perceived as an equal and legitimate partner. Therefore, there are actors who would like to see the second "orange revolution" in some way, and believe that the existing political regimes are authoritarian. In this regard, Europe, being proud of its liberalism and freedom, perceive such systems as hostile, alien and even threatening European political freedom to some extent.

       In historical perspective, the protests are inherent in any political system where there is pluralism and freedom of expressing different opinions. That’s why one should not be afraid of the protests.

       How is the Federal Chancellor inaugurated? What is the difference in inauguration ceremonies in Russia and Germany?

       First, the main difference lies in the political system itself. In Russia the President is elected by a popular vote, while the Federal Chancellor is elected by the Bundestag. Therefore, the inauguration ceremony in Germany is much more modest.

       Second, we must take into account the European historical experience. If the inauguration in Russia is enveloped in an aura of militarism, Europe, and especially Germany, avoids such "muscle-flexing". Europe rejected the imperial rhetoric and style. This is largely evident in Germany, to a lesser extent – in France, where the ceremony of inauguration is somewhat more pompous. On the other hand, Britain is proud of its imperial traditions and British magnificent celebrations in honor of the monarch and the Royal Family in many ways overshadow Russia.

       In the past sixty years Europe refused its imperial ambitions and became a "small country" in military terms, while its soft power and economic power became more important for the European leaders. In Russia, however, soft power is non-existent, so Russia’s claim as one of the global leaders can only be asserted by demonstrations of its hard power.

       Views expressed are of individual Members and Contributors, rather than the Club's, unless explicitly stated otherwise.