This image (and close-up below) shows Vladimir Putin arriving for the G20 Summit in Brisbane, Australia two days ago. He did not receive the same level of dignitary-greeting at the airport compared with the other heads-of-state. It may have something to do with the other World Leaders giving him flack for Russia's participation in the fighting in eastern Ukraine ... or the Annexation of the Crimea before that .... or the downing of Malaysia Airlines MH17 ... or his stationing of Russian Warships off the Australian Coast ... or the numerous near-misses recently involving Russian military aircraft in various countries' airspace.
The Russian President's primary emotion is that of anger - albeit suppressed. His mid-face is tightened as partially evidenced by his nostril flaring and tension in his "mustache area". There is also considerable tightening and stretching of his lips. Vladimir's jaw is clenched as well which results in the bunching up of tissue beneath his lower lip - a "Peri-Lip Bulge". Putin's eyelids are partially closed with considerable tension of his lower lids. This clustering of nonverbal signals is indicative of suppressed anger.
What's uncommon about this expression is the anger suppression is accompanied by a Central Forehead Contraction (CFC). In this nonverbal cluster-context a CFC indicates a "Seeking of Validation". Vladimir's angry - yes, yet being simultaneously out of his element and because he's the odd man out - he's is seeking approval. This is a very common behavior and expression for alpha personalities who are out of their comfort zone and trying to look important and composed.
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3012: Tony Abbott No Shirtfronts Vladimir Putin at APEC - (yet he buttons-up) - Body Language Tells
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2843: Barack Obama & Vladimir Putin in Normandy - Body Language Tells
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2937: Vladimir Putin - “If I want to, I can take Kiev in two weeks” and Critical Evaluation
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3010: McStay Family Murders - Body Language Signs of a Sociopath
Nonverbal Communication Quiz-Analysis No. 2869: Barack Obama's Executive Action on Immigration Reform, The Rose Garden 30 June 2014 - Sincere or Insincere?
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1858: What the Eyes Do - Transitioning from Mild to Severe Anger
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