When We are Born and Die

Though Vladimir Putin is seen as an anomaly, variously described as psychotic or removed from reality, a more realistic interpretation sees Putin in historical context.

Josef Stalin comes to mind, of course, but examples of Attila the Hun and Mongol leader Genghis Khan are also compelling and hopeful.

Attila plundered the Balkans but died in 453 at age 69 and his empire dissolved.

Genghis Khan plundered central and eastern Europe but died in 1227 at age 65 and his army dispersed.

Vladimir Putin’s imperial ambitions are ripe to follow Attila’s and Genghis Khan’s as he is 69 years of age.