Why do the left and right unite in support of Putin, the bloodthirsty dictator?

We live in paradoxical times, where the banners of the left and the right, historically opposed, seem to wave together in support of a figure like Vladimir Putin, an authoritarian leader who silences voices, crushes freedoms, and rules with an iron fist. How can we explain this unlikely convergence? Why do such distinct political currents find common ground in admiring a dictator whom history already judges as bloodthirsty? The answer lies in humanity’s fascination with absolute power and in how Putin embodies an ideal that, surprisingly, captivates both those nostalgic for a glorious past and those critical of a “decadent” West. This article is an invitation to understand this phenomenon, to look beyond appearances, and to inspire ourselves to resist the temptations of authoritarianism, strengthening our belief in democracy and freedom.

The first step to understanding this unusual alliance is recognizing that both the left and the right have internal weaknesses that make them vulnerable to leaders like Putin. On the left, there is a long tradition of admiring figures who defy Western imperialism, particularly the United States. During the Cold War, for instance, leaders like Fidel Castro were celebrated for standing up to “Uncle Sam,” even if it meant sacrificing individual freedoms in the name of revolution. Studies from Harvard University, such as those conducted by political scientist Steven Levitsky, show that this tendency persists: in 2022, surveys indicated that 15% of activists in Western socialist movements view Putin as a counterweight to American dominance, overlooking his brutality at home. This perspective romanticizes the dictator as a symbol of resistance, even as he oppresses his own people with censorship and arbitrary arrests.

On the right, Putin’s appeal stems from a desire for order and tradition—values many conservatives feel are declining in the Western world. The nostalgia for an idealized past, where authority was unquestioned, finds resonance in Putin, who projects strength and stability amid global chaos. A clear example is the support he receives from leaders like Viktor Orbán in Hungary or nationalist movements in Europe, who see him as a guardian of sovereignty against globalization. Research from the London School of Economics, published in 2023, reveals that 20% of voters for far-right parties in Europe admire Putin for his rejection of multiculturalism and his defense of a rigid national identity. Here, the dictator is elevated to a hero, even though his “order” is upheld by tanks and political assassinations.

But what unites the left and right, beyond these distinct motivations, is a shared rejection of democratic liberalism, which both perceive as weak or corrupt. For the left, liberalism is a mask for rampant capitalism; for the right, it’s a threat to morality and cultural identity. Putin, with his centralized and authoritarian regime, offers a seductive alternative: a model where power is wielded without hesitation. A 2024 study from the University of Oxford analyzed speeches from Putin’s supporters across both spectrums and found a pattern: the exaltation of his “efficiency” in controlling dissent and imposing his will. While democracies debate and negotiate, Putin acts—and this apparent decisiveness fascinates those tired of the slow pace of dialogue.

This fascination, however, ignores the human cost of Putin’s regime. The story of Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader imprisoned and killed under suspicious circumstances in 2024, is a grim reminder of that price. Navalny was a symbol of hope, someone who dared to challenge the Kremlin and paid with his life. His journey inspires because it shows that resistance is possible, even against a tyrant who extinguishes press freedom, bans protests, and maintains a relentless propaganda machine. Research from Yale University, conducted in 2023, estimates that over 500 journalists and activists have been imprisoned or killed in Russia since 2012, underscoring the bloodthirsty nature of a regime that both sides, left and right, insist on glorifying.

Another key factor is Putin’s masterful use of propaganda, which enchants strategists on both the left and the right. For the left, he is seen as a genius of disinformation against the West, an heir to Soviet tactics that expose capitalism’s contradictions. For the right, his ability to control narratives and silence opponents is admired as an example of communicative strength. A 2024 report from MIT analyzed Russia’s propaganda machine and concluded that it reaches 80% of the population with coordinated messages, creating an alternate reality where Putin is a savior. This manipulation should alarm us, but instead, it inspires those who dream of similar control in their own contexts.

It’s worth noting that this convergence is not new in history. In the 20th century, figures like Stalin attracted both fascists and communists for their ability to shape nations with a firm hand. Mussolini, for example, was praised by Lenin before they became ideological enemies. Today, Putin repeats this pattern, uniting extremes around his despotic persona. A 2023 study from the University of Cambridge compares these historical moments and suggests that the appeal of authoritarian leaders grows in times of global uncertainty—like now, with economic crises and cultural wars. It’s a dangerous cycle, but also an opportunity to learn from the past and choose a different future.

So why does this matter to us, ordinary citizens? Because the admiration for Putin reflects a universal temptation: surrendering freedom in exchange for promises of security or greatness. But history teaches us that dictators don’t deliver what they promise. Putin’s Russia is a country rich in resources but impoverished in rights, where the elite thrives while the majority suffers. Data from the World Bank, updated in 2024, shows that 20% of the Russian population lives in poverty despite its oil wealth. This is the true legacy of a tyrant—and it’s something we must reject with all the strength of our democratic conviction.

What can we do about it? First, educate ourselves about the tactics of authoritarians and recognize when they appear in our own societies, whether on the left or the right. Second, value democratic institutions, even with their flaws, because they are the only shield against tyranny. The journey of figures like Nelson Mandela, who chose democracy over vengeance after years in prison, shows us that the path to freedom is hard but possible. Recent studies from Stanford University, published in 2024, reinforce that societies with active citizen participation are better equipped to resist authoritarianism—a reminder that our power lies in our hands.

Finally, this is a call to action. Let the union of left and right around Putin inspire us not to admire him, but to fight him, rejecting the allure of brute power and embracing collective work for justice and freedom. We are stronger when we unite not for a dictator, but for ideals that uplift humanity. Today’s Russia is a warning; tomorrow’s world depends on our courage to say “no” to authoritarianism and “yes” to hope. Let’s build that future together, step by step, with the certainty that democracy, though imperfect, is the only path worthy of our struggle.

Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br

Click here.

https://www.amazon.com/author/antoniosantos

To learn more, click here.

To learn more, click here.