I have read many articles during recent days about the new Russian president, Mr. Dmitrij Medvedev. However, it was and it is still difficult for me to have a clear opinion about him. The majority of the journalists describe him as a liberal politician that could be more open to values of plurality and democracy than his predecessor, Mr. Vladimir Putin. The others say that Medvedev will strictly continue in promoting political mainstream that was established during two previous presidential administrations’ terms.

However, the question ‘who is Medvedev?’ has not been answered yet. I am trying to add it up as well. I have remarked one characteristic in his behavior and it helped me to look closer on new leader of Moscow. After Dmitrij was elected, Financial Times was the first daily that brought interview with him. It was in video form. Mr. Medvedev answered questions in a studio. But there was something strange about his behaviour. He was looking all around, but hardly ever into the camera or into the eyes of his counterpart in the conversation (video you can find on YouTube on this link).

If people are unable to look straight, it signalizes something. I am not a psychologist, therefore I don’t feel competent to explain nonverbal signs of communication. On the other hand, I can not prevent myself from negative feeling about him. He looked like he didn’t talk about his own political opinions or ideas. In other words, I had the strong perception of the suggestion that he was subordinated to someone else, who was not personally with him at that time in the studio.

But it should not be so difficult to realize who might be that shadow eminence. Just look on the way how politics uses to be made in Russia. Let’s investigate the circumstances of Medvedev’s success in presidential election. Finally, let`s compare the perception of Mr. President and Mr. Prime Minister between the people of Russia and the extent of their popularity…

Will Medvedev be a strong political leader? I think the answer matters. In my opinion, Europe should be afraid of the weak head of the state. In 90s weak Russia was the threat that its nuclear weapons could be misused by various local extremists. Now, the weak President poses the threat that his political power could be pilfered step by step and he would become just a marionette in someone’s more powerful hands. In that case, I have really bad news: Russian foreign policy based on military deterrence and energy play card will continue.

Notice: Complete interview divided into 4 parts you can find on YouTube: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.