PUTIN AND THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH: ASYMMETRIC SYMPHONIA?

The article examines the intersection of the spiritual with the political in the context of the presidency of Vladimir Putin in Russia. It assesses the relationship shared by Putin and the Russian Orthodox Church in four critical areas: liberalization and Westernization, pluralism, security and religious education. The article also suggests that Putin's period in office has not been characterized by a serious state-led attempt to restore the political authority of the Russian Orthodox Church and religious matters are clearly very much secondary affairs for the Kremlin, except where they impinge on security or social harmony.