Hardliner is an interesting word. My impression of Putin's goals for the West, which I believe are shared by a variety of Russian officials and citizens, is not that they want the return of Communism, as the word might imply. It is I think better expressed by this joke a Russian guy told me last year in Bulgaria.
A Frenchman, an American, and a Russian are discussing happiness. The Frenchman says "Happiness. You're on the Champs Elysees, a beautiful lady on your arm. You stop, have a wonderful meal with a fine wine, watching the sun set behind the Eiffel Tower. That's happiness." And the American says "No, no, no. Happiness. You're in L.A. It's a gorgeous afternoon. You get in your convertible, drive to Vegas, put five dollars down on the tables and walk out with a million bucks. That's happiness." And the Russian says, "You two have no idea about happiness. You're in Siberia. Minus forty degrees. It's 3 a.m. You're in the barracks. The door opens, an arctic blast blows in. The lieutenant, standing in the doorway, says 'Petrov! You're on duty!' And you are *not* Petrov."
Cheers,
John
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