- Both are authoritarian leaders who have consolidated power in their own hands. Putin has been in power in Russia for over two decades, and he has shown no signs of stepping down anytime soon. He has used a variety of methods to consolidate power, including rigging elections, silencing critics, and jailing or killing opponents. Stalin was also an authoritarian leader who ruled the Soviet Union for over three decades. He used a variety of methods to consolidate power, including purges, show trials, and forced labor camps.
- Both have a long history of suppressing dissent and silencing critics. Putin has cracked down on dissent in Russia, and he has jailed or killed critics who have spoken out against him. Stalin was also a ruthless suppressor of dissent, and he used the secret police to silence his critics.
- Both have a penchant for using force to achieve their goals. Putin has used force to achieve his goals in Ukraine, Georgia, and Syria. Stalin was also a warmonger, and he used the Soviet military to conquer territory and spread communism.
- Both have a deep-seated fear of being overthrown. Putin is paranoid about being overthrown, and he has taken steps to consolidate his power and protect himself from being ousted. Stalin was also paranoid, and he was constantly purging his own party and the Soviet government in order to eliminate potential threats to his power.
- They both place a high value on military strength. Putin has invested heavily in the Russian military, and he has made it clear that he is willing to use force to achieve his goals. Stalin also placed a high value on military strength, and he built up the Soviet military to become one of the most powerful militaries in the world.
- They both have a willingness to use force to achieve their goals. Putin has used force in Ukraine, Georgia, and Syria. Stalin also used force to achieve his goals, including the invasion of Poland in 1939 and the start of World War II.
- They both have a disregard for human life. Putin has shown a disregard for human life in his use of force in Ukraine. Stalin also showed a disregard for human life, as evidenced by the millions of people who died during his rule.
- They both have a history of military blunders. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has been a military blunder, and it has resulted in heavy losses for the Russian military. Stalin also made a number of military blunders, including the invasion of Finland in 1939 and the start of World War II.
Overall, however, Putin grossly over estimated his military strength in all aspects.