We need to consider Putin's place on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
By Curt_Anderson February 26, 2022 11:13 am Category: History
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Putin appears to be obsessed with reconstituting the empire of the old Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was created and founded a century ago on December 30, 1922. I suspect that Putin feels a sense of urgency because of that coming anniversary.
Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs theorized about human motivation. Maslow's hierarchy is usually depicted as a pyramid. Basic needs (food, shelter, etc.) are at the bottom. At the top of the pyramid are the loftier needs. I believe Putin wants an exalted place in the history books as the savior of Mother Russia.
In 2017 Fortune magazine said Putin was believed to be the richest man in the world, with a net worth of $200 billion. I doubt that going after Putin's bank accounts directly or indirectly will deter his bellicosity. Putin is beyond the place on the pyramid where money (either obtaining it or keeping it) is a motivating concern.
For reasons elucidated by the bottom of Maslow's pyramid, Putin may not be adverse to a war. Unlike the ordinary Ukrainian or Russian citizen, I doubt Putin would be in any personal danger. Putin isn't worried about simple survival. As a meglomaniac, Putin may even harbor notions of a heroic death.
My prescription is to attack not his finances but his historical aspirations. I assume that we have the ability to truth bomb the Russian citizenry with Radio Free Europe/Voice of America-type communications to counteract Russian state media. Somehow we need to make Putin realize that his continued military foray into the Ukraine diminishes his place in history. Short of that, we need to convince the Russian people and those in Putin's orbit that Putin's aspirations are counter to their self-interests.
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Putin appears to be obsessed with reconstituting the empire of the old Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was created and founded a century ago on December 30, 1922. I suspect that Putin feels a sense of urgency because of that coming anniversary.