“If you think Russian President Vladimir Putin is nothing more than a ruthless thug who relishes political power and personal preening on the world’s stage — he’s got you right where he wants you.” These chilling words of warning were written just last year by Maureen Mackey, managing editor of The Fiscal Times. Marin Katusa, who has studied Russian politics and Putin for years, is the author of a new book, “The Colder War: How the Energy Trade Slipped from America’s Grasp”, in which she wrote “Putin is not a regular politician like we are used to in the West - he believes his mission is to steer Russia toward its past glory as a global superpower...he is far more dangerous than politicians and the media would lead you to believe.” One website describes him in this language: “Putin has positioned himself as heroic defender of Russia’s sovereignty. He has labeled the ostentatious West as the imperialistic villain keen on toying with the Third World. At the UN, Russia routinely vet