The Washington Institute for the Study of War has recently commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s interview with American “journalist” Tucker Carlson. According to analysts, Putin’s decision to engage with the controversial Trump supporter was a strategic move aimed at improving Russia’s image on the international stage.
In the interview, which aired on Fox News, Putin discussed a range of topics including the US-Russia relationship, the ongoing conflict in Syria, and the 2020 US presidential election. This was the first time Putin had agreed to an interview with an American media outlet in over three years, and his choice of Carlson as the interviewer raised eyebrows among many in the media and political circles.
So why did Putin agree to speak with Carlson, who is known for his polarizing views and unwavering support for former President Donald Trump? According to analysts at the ISW, Putin saw this as an opportunity to present a more moderate and reasonable image of Russia to the American public.
Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia has faced widespread criticism and sanctions from the international community. Putin’s decision to engage with Carlson, who is seen as a close ally of Trump, was a calculated move to improve Russia’s image and potentially gain favor with the new US administration.
Moreover, by agreeing to an interview with Carlson, Putin was able to control the narrative and present his views on various issues without facing tough questions or pushback from a more critical interviewer. This allowed him to portray Russia as a strong and confident nation, capable of standing up to the West and defending its interests.
Additionally, the timing of the interview was significant. It came just days after Biden’s first meeting with Putin in Geneva, where the two leaders discussed a range of issues including cyberattacks, human rights, and nuclear arms control. By speaking to an American audience, Putin was able to present his version of the meeting and potentially sway public opinion in his favor.
Some critics have argued that by agreeing to an interview with Carlson, Putin was legitimizing the controversial journalist and his views. However, others believe that it was a shrewd move by the Russian leader to exploit the political divide in the US and gain an advantage on the global stage.
In conclusion, Putin’s decision to speak with Tucker Carlson was a strategic move aimed at improving Russia’s image and gaining favor with the new US administration. By presenting a more moderate and reasonable image of Russia, Putin was able to control the narrative and potentially sway public opinion in his favor. Only time will tell if this move will have any significant impact on the US-Russia relationship, but one thing is for sure, Putin knows how to play the game of international politics.
