VLADIMIR PUTIN was in bouncy and even humorous mood when he spoke to this year's Valdai conference on September 19th. Unperturbed by protests at home and a slowing economy, he was clearly buoyed by Russia's recent diplomatic success over Syria. As he nears the age of 61, he shows no signs of wanting to step down soon; indeed, he hinted that he might run again for president in 2018, when his current term is up.
The theme of this year's Valdai was Russian identity and values. Mr Putin's speech positively brimmed with nostalgia. His thesis was that Russia had been through a terrible period under Soviet communism (though he praised some of the USSR's achievements) and then the chaotic liberalism in the 1990s, only to achieve serene stability under his own presidency. He repeatedly invoked morality and spirituality, praising Christianity and traditional religious mores and attacking the political correctness that often clashed with them. He also warned outsiders against interfering in Russia, saying that sovereignty, independence and the country's territorial integrity were "red lines" that should not be crossed.
