Russia has seen itself as a Great Power for hundreds of years. The Russians believe that they were the ones who really defeated Napoleon. The Russians lost around one million people including civilians during the Russian campaign. After the Napoleonic wars, the Russians considered themselves as the policeman of the East maintaining order. This happy thought lasted until the Crimean war of 1853 when the Russians found their military was hopelessly outdated fighting the British and French.

After the Second World War, Russia was a superpower. The Soviet Union was one of the largest land empire in history.

The breakup of the Soviet Union was a traumatic time for the Russians. They believe that economic aid was suppose to come from the West. Instead they got advice about privatization that enriched only a few.

Putin came to power angry about the breakup and determined to reverse Russia's collapse. Even if there wasn't a Putin, I think another nationalist Russian would take his place.