Most leaders become leaders when they are of a certain age – when they are not young. Of course, there are exceptions to the general rule, but they are just that, exceptions. Even Emmanuel Macron, seen as young when he became president of France, was not a kid. He was 39. Moreover, many of the rest are positively elderly, Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden (both are over 75) are prime examples, as are JPMorgan’s CEO, Jamie Dimon and Target’s Brian Cornell (both are over 60), not to speak of Berkshire Hathaway’s geriatric if still iconic CEO, Warren Buffett (he is over 90).
Why does this matter? Is it ageist even to suggest that it does? Maybe. But common sense suggests that when leaders are older as opposed to younger, when they are well into or even past middle age, getting them to change their ways is more difficult and less likely. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks – especially if the old dog has been top dog for a very long time.
Which brings me to Russian President, Vladimir Putin. He is 69. And, he has been president or prime minister of Russia for over 20 years. By every measure then he qualifies as an old dog – which suggests that he is set in his ways, that his past will forever be his prologue.
Assuming this logic applies, what is it that we in the West should best remember, place front and center? That he does not hesitate to be barbaric. That he does not hesitate to take risks. That he does not hesitate to play dirty. That he does not hesitate to be aggressive. That he does not hesitate to exercise power. That he does not hesitate to control. That he does not hesitate to remain in the game. That he plays to win – no matter the cost.
It’s possible of course that as it pertains to Ukraine Putin will change. But given who he is, coupled with his longevity – both his advanced age and the length of his time in office – I wouldn’t bet on it. Does this have implications not just for the people of Ukraine but for people the world over? That I would bet on.