He seems to understand how to be king quite well. First, diversify and solidify clients for their vast natural bounty. Next, reverse the demographic decline by reducing taxes and purging the bureaucrats. I'm skeptical of his plan for high-tech though; it seems he might fall for the tried and true "military origin of technology" fallacy. Peacetime industry comes first; If he wants Russia to become a true superpower, it needs 50 more years of peace... but I understand where he's coming from. The US may not let Russia have such peace in the first place.