Russia: Putin's Chess Match

For quite some time the world has been interested in what President Putin of Russia will do to continue a grasp of power within Russia. Several theories have been construed mostly linking Mr. Putin to hold some control of politics behind the curtain. Recently the president announced he would accept a political position and as many thought, the position of course may lead to the control of many internal moves for the country. An article highlights the situation:

"Putin agreed Tuesday to lead United Russia after a party congress elected him as its chairman, three weeks before he hands over the presidency to his successor, Dmitry Medvedev. As leader of United Russia, which controls the State Duma (the lower house of parliament), Putin will be able to determine the main parameters of Russia's development, said Martin Shakkum, chairman of the Committee on Construction and Land Relations in the State Duma. With his new role, Putin "becomes de jure national leader of the country," he said. Yevgeny Fedorov, chairman of the Committee on Economic Policy and Business Activities in the State Duma, said Putin's party leadership will ensure the stability of Russia's political system and the enforcement of the country's strategic national plans. "

Through his most recent move by Putin we see can see how the political leader will be able to continue and implement various political moves throughout Russia and have the ability to construe relations with other state actors. Another article significantly highlights the critical parts of his new role:

"Putin is planning on moving into the position of Russian prime minister May 8, the day after he leaves the presidency. As head of the party that controls the majority of parliament...Putin will keep his hold over the government and its many functions. It also will allow Putin to keep Medvedev in check, since legally parliament can override any presidential decision with a two-thirds majority, the same number of seats United Russia holds."

Also recently news broke internationally about energy deals that Mr. Putin is trying to secure with the country Libya. Here is an excerpt from an article:

"Russian President Vladimir Putin begins a 24-hour visit to Tripoli Wednesday for high-priority talks with Libyan leader Moamer Gaddafi on energy contracts and arms sales. Moscow intends to make Tripoli its 'strategic ally' in North Africa...Moscow seeks a future stake in Libya's highly promising oil sector and aims to revive lucrative Soviet-era arms sales."

The interesting aspect of this is that Putin is obviously setting up ties with international actors which may contribute to helping his positions later down the road. While making new deals with leaders he garners further support in the future. I don't think anyone is surprised in the position Putin has taken but we can now see how this will effect international relations abroad. Opinions and decisions by the new president will most likely have a heavy influence from Putin. The world can expect to see movement by the new president to be in reflection of how Putin smartly moves his political pieces.