Vladimir Putin, it used to be said not long ago, had no friends. His invasion of Crimea and meddling in eastern Ukraine made him persona non grata in mainstream Europe and America. Asia saw little value in Russia’s no-growth economy.
These days the Russian leader is on a roll. Without having to backtrack on anything of substance (or territory) in Ukraine, there’s renewed talk of lifting the sanctions imposed in 2014. Putin was always a celebrity, and a source of support, for Europe’s far-right parties, which are themselves on a roll. And now unabashed fans of his in conventional political parties are taking office or rising in the polls.
Soon enough, the West may have its own Putin caucus. Here’s how it’s taking shape:
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