24 DEC 07 / "Machiavellian of the Year"

By his own orchestration, Vladimir Putin has succeeded in retaining political power in Russia for years to come.

One wonders if he has as much influence over the editors of Time as he does over the state controlled media

The title is not always bestowed on individuals known for their morality. Adolf Hitler was Time's man of the year in 1933.

Net worth estimated at $40 billion.

Has said the collapse of the Soviet Union was the greatest catastrophe of the 20th century.