Amid its aggression, Russia is losing a global soft-power battle

WHILE Russia may yet have the military might to overcome pro-Ukrainian forces, it is rapidly losing a parallel soft-power battle taking place internationally.

In recent days, Moscow has been subjected to an array of not just economic sanctions, but wider diplomatic and cultural rebukes, including the cancellation of its participation in major sporting events. In so doing, Russia now risks its reputation to a degree that is unprecedented in the post-Cold War era.

There is little doubt that much of this problem lies at the door of President Vladimir Putin, who if he remains in power to the 2030s, would surpass Joseph Stalin's tenure in office. This would make him one of the longest serving world leaders of modern times alongside Fidel Castro, who managed 52 years as Cuban prime minister and then president, and Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who has been in his post since 1989.