Since taking power some 16 years ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin has worked tirelessly to bring about the return of conservative and nationalist values . His government has enthusiastically promoted the Russian Orthodox Church , depicting its patriarchs as the state's moral compass. After suffering a period of neglect under the Soviet Union, over 25,000 churches and 800 monasteries have been built or refurbished during Putin's reign. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has also launched a series of youth programs , the largest being Nashi, that teach conservative courses on politics, foreign policy and family values. Finally, after consolidating strategic economic sectors under its control, the government has presented itself as the people's savior from the liberal, decadent oligarchs who once controlled the country's resources. By stoking these long-dormant sentiments, Putin has managed to shore up his power base and create a moral mandate for Moscow's domestic and foreign policy.