Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3348: Vladimir Putin, Bashar al-Assad and the World Stage (PHOTOS)
























After four and a half years of the Syrian Civil War which is rapidly escalating with multiple actors, Bashar al-Assad has found a stronger ally in Vladimir Putin. Beginning on 30 September 2015, Russian planes began bombing al-Assad's opponents. And while initially, Putin claimed the purpose of these attacks were to fight ISIS, the Russian President has since admitted his priority of strengthening al-Assad.

Surprise ... the Syrian President met with his Russian counterpart earlier today in Moscow. In the above moment, al-Assad and Putin are shown shaking hands. From a body language perspective, this photo tells us several important things.

Bashar al-Assad's "smile" is a false one (AKA a pseudo-smile, fake smile or social smile) and more importantly, in this particular flavor contains a significant component of disgust.

In addition, Putin's body is turned 90 degrees away from where it should be. Vladimir is facing the camera when he should be looking at al-Assad. In order to build rapport - and show respect, your feet, hips, torso, head and eyes must be pointed at the person whose hand you're shaking. Vladimir's behavior here is highly unusual - even for a head-of-state, posed greeting.

In summary, President Putin's body language is tremendously disrespectful toward the Bashar al-Assad and very much validates the assertion of many - that Putin is using the Syrian President and conflict in order to re-assert himself on the World stage and hold onto Russia's only strong ally in the Middle East. 

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3347: Paul Ryan, The Speakership, Four Conditions and One Repetitive Facial Expression

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3325: Vladimir Putin, the United Nations, Russian Soil and Confidence Levels 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3300: Vladimir Putin, Narcissism and Body Language  

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3324: Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin Shake Hands at UN Luncheon

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret No. 1162:  Ahmadinejad, Napoleon, al-Assad and Dominance

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 1874:  Bad Handshake - Political Prevalence


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