[gaspar]

To discuss Napoleon III at length without mentioning his ill-fated attempt to occupy Mexico while the USA was in Civil War, is a gross error. His dreams, perhaps the stuff of European melancholia, evaporated with the departure of Franco-Austrian-Sudanese troops in 1867.

Putin's dreams, perhaps the stuff of 19th century Russian Slavophilism, are not so clear. Certainly Napoleon III was the quintessential 19th Century European elitist, but what the 21st century will label Putin -- whether European or Asian -- is still anyone's guess.

One is inclined to agree with Churchill: Scratch a Russian and a Tartar bleeds.

[RussianConservative]

Tartar? Churchill have typical Anglo chovanism that earn England gloriful empire of 21st Centuary...that is, it barely hold own island with Scotland and Wales want freedom from dry English boars.

[Centurion2000]

but what the 21st century will label Putin -- whether European or Asian -- is still anyone's guess.

He's the best leader that Russia has had in quite some time .... not entirely trustworthy but then he is looking out for Mother Russia's interests first.