10. Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Putin has been a defining figure in Russia’s political landscape for over two decades. Since his initial appointment as acting president in 1999, he has systematically consolidated power, diminishing the influence of regional governors and independent lawmakers. This centralization has enabled him to shape both domestic and foreign policies, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. His control over media and business sectors has drawn comparisons to Soviet-era strongmen. For an in-depth analysis of Putin’s consolidation of power, you can watch the BBC World Service’s documentary titled “Is Putin more powerful than ever?” (youtube.com)
