There are precious few solid indications of what his policy might be, but this need not impede prediction, especially when prediction is needed. Relations will diverge from the old pattern in which Russia alternated between seeking acceptance at almost any price and strong, emotionally charged hostility. Some of Putin's policies will be seen by the West as positive, others as negative, but he will refuse to change the latter, and the West will have to decide which component is more important. Policy Under Putin One should not make the mistake of categorizing Putin as an anti-Western politician. In economic matters, he will pursue market reforms very similar to those advocated by the West.
Economic growth remains a definite possibility and the investment climate is likely to improve.
Of course, these will come at the expense of some authoritarian measures, which the West will not like. Putin will be in favor of integration with the West. The first challenge will probably be over IMF funding. It is almost certain that Russia will continue to pursue policies recommended by the IMF with or without debt relief. But, as Russia's finance minister Mikhail Kasyanov recently admitted, without debt relief Russia will eventually be unable to make its payments and will face default.