Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is vying for a fifth term in office this week, has constructed a regime of internal repression and confrontation with the West over the past two decades, virtually ensuring his re-election. Putin, who won his first presidential election in March 2000 and secured a second term in 2004, has transformed Russia into an authoritarian state during his tenure.

Since ascending to power on New Year's Eve in 1999, Putin has centralized authority by subduing oligarchs, suppressing genuine opposition, and imposing tight controls over the nation. His most prominent critic, Alexei Navalny, died last month under suspicious circumstances while imprisoned in the Arctic. Other dissenters face lengthy jail terms or have fled the country.

Internationally, the 71-year-old Putin has led efforts to challenge Western dominance. His hold on power tightened after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with dissent against the war quelled through legal measures and imprisonment. The conflict in Ukraine, which has claimed numerous lives and triggered substantial Western sanctions, threatens to define Putin's legacy.

Large-scale anti-war protests erupted in the wake of Russia's incursion into Ukraine in February 2022, but they were swiftly suppressed. Subsequent demonstrations occurred months later when Russia announced a partial mobilization after failing to topple the Ukrainian government in the initial stages of the conflict.

In June 2023, Putin faced a significant challenge when Yevgeny Prigozhin, a longtime ally and leader of the Wagner mercenary group, staged a mutiny to overthrow Russia's military leadership. Although the uprising posed a threat to Putin's image as a strategic mastermind, he ultimately retained power.

Putin, who began his career as an intelligence officer before entering politics in Saint Petersburg in 1991, was appointed head of the FSB security service by Boris Yeltsin in 1998 and became prime minister the following year. His ascent culminated in his appointment as acting president upon Yeltsin's resignation. Putin won subsequent presidential elections in 2000 and 2004, initially raising hopes for reform and improved relations with the West.

After serving two terms as president, Putin circumvented constitutional limits by becoming prime minister in 2008, but retained significant influence and returned to the presidency in 2012. His crackdown on opposition intensified following the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine, resulting in the imprisonment of thousands and increased censorship.

Amid Western sanctions and a deteriorating relationship with Europe, Putin has sought to bolster ties with India and China. Despite economic challenges such as high inflation and a weakened ruble, Russia's economy rebounded in 2023, buoyed by increased defense spending.

While the conflict in Ukraine has not achieved its initial objectives, Putin has expressed confidence in Russia's military capabilities, despite setbacks and delays in Western military aid to Ukraine. Russian forces captured the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka in February, marking a significant territorial gain after over a year of fighting.

In a defiant state of the nation address, Putin pledged continued resistance, asserting that Russian troops would persevere until the end.

Putin has framed the election campaign around his commitment to fulfilling Russia's objectives in Ukraine, positioning the conflict as a struggle against Western encroachment. 

Despite facing stringent Western sanctions, Russia's economy has displayed unexpected resilience, buoyed by robust growth in certain sectors, such as defense manufacturing. Putin's re-election would likely ensure continuity in economic policies, including support for key industries and initiatives to stimulate growth, albeit amidst persisting inflation and geopolitical tensions.

Putin's prolonged tenure has witnessed a systematic crackdown on dissent, resulting in a severely constrained political environment. Opposition figures face imprisonment or exile, while critical voices are suppressed through draconian legislation and state-controlled media. His re-election would likely entrench these authoritarian practices, further eroding democratic norms within Russia.

Putin's leadership style and foreign policy approach have reshaped global dynamics, with Russia asserting itself as a key player in various geopolitical arenas. A continued tenure would maintain Russia's status as a significant geopolitical actor, influencing conflicts, alliances, and strategic calculations worldwide.

Putin's authoritarian model poses challenges to democratic values and institutions globally. His re-election would embolden similar autocratic tendencies in other nations, while Russia's continued efforts to undermine Western democracies through disinformation and interference could persist.

Putin's victory would likely shape Russia's interactions with key players on the world stage, including the United States, China, and European Union. Relations with the West may further deteriorate, leading to increased tensions and competition in various domains, from cybersecurity to energy security.

Putin's expected re-election carries far-reaching implications for both Russia and the international community. It underlines the enduring influence of authoritarian leadership, the complexities of managing global conflicts, and the challenges facing liberal democracies in confronting authoritarian regimes.