Russian oligarch 2004, Putin apparently engaged in a power-struggle with some oligarchs, reaching a "grand bargain" with them. This bargain allowed the oligarchs to maintain their powers, in exchange for their explicit support of – and alignment with – Putin's government. Many more business people have become oligarchs during Putin's time in power, and often due to personal relations with Putin, such as the rector of the institute where Putin obtained a degree in 1996, Vladimir Litvinenko, and Putin's childhood friend and judo-teacher Arkady Rotenberg. However, other analysts argue that the oligarchic structure has remained intact under Putin, with Putin devoting much
Robert Rotenberg Robert Rotenberg Robert Rotenberg (born April 21, 1953) is a Canadian criminal lawyer and writer, based in Toronto. His extensive experience as a criminal defence lawyer informed his critically acclaimed first novel, "Old City Hall". He currently practices as part of the association of Rotenberg Shidlowski Jesin. Rotenberg studied English literature at the University of Toronto, and then earned his law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School. He went to the London School of Economics for a master's degree in International Law, and traveled Europe on various scholarships. The influences of the literary realm and the legal profession have emerged