1917 - the year Vladimir Putin would rather forget

Why the Bolshevik revolution might not fill Russia's leader with patriotic glee. For the Russian president, the revolution was a period of dangerous disorder. For Mr Putin, 1917 stands out as a time of tremendous political and social disorder. The state was weak and unable to exert control. Tony Barber argues that one day Russia might use a Bolshevik revolution anniversary to reflect on the dangers of oppressive political systems. But don’t bet on it being soon.