Russian President Vladimir Putin is often seen and characterised merely as a venal thug. To deal with him effectively, however, it is important to understand that he has a genuine, if misguided, ideology. The Kremlin has not merely composed, disseminated and imposed an official ideology on Russian society as a means of controlling the masses and concealing the Putin regime’s corruption. Ideology founded on grand ideas about Russia is central to Putin’s ruling philosophy. From the outset, his project was authoritarian with totalitarian intentions that have been realised through progressive political radicalisation. For Putin, Russia’s greatness is an end in itself and the highest attainment of the state and the Russian people. It is prudent to assume that Russia is preparing for major war with the West.