Vladimir Putin met with Dmitry Medvedev a few days ago at Putin's summer residence near Sochi. It is reported they discussed the strategics of Russia maintaining and increasing its dominance in the Arctic.
The Russian President never passes up an opportunity for a photo session which casts him in good light - yet can you name a politician who doesn't? Putin often takes it further though - for many of these photos also show him in particularly masculine, adventurous and athletic scenarios. He is shown playing hockey, riding in submarines, riding horses bare-chested, hunting tigers, etc. And although many poke fun at him the World over for this, he continues to orchestrate these photo opportunities.
A detail which escapes most people however - are the nonverbal messages that these images project. In the first image Vladimir's arms and legs are spread wide. Of course a person can't operate this particular weight-lifting apparatus without moving their arms and legs in such a manner. Yet it was this image the Kremlin chose to release. The same is true with the second photo - Mr. Putin is swimming the butterfly, and despite its delicate name it's probably the most difficult stroke. It also carries significant machismo - with arms spread to their maximum wingspan.
Whether posed, spontaneous or somewhere in between - Vladimir Putin tends to take up more room than most men 5'7" (1.70 meters). But most men don't lead Russia.
A person who chronically defaults with arms and legs positioned further from mid-line, who tends to take up more room - also has a strong predilection towards Narcissistic Personality Disorder. What are some other body language signals associated with Narcissism?
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3299: Kim Davis, Contempt-of-Court, Same-Sex Marriages and Body Language
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3207: Vladimir Putin, Pope Francis and Body Language
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3091: Vladimir Putin has Asperger's Syndrome according to Pentagon Report
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2647: Vladimir Putin regarding Edward Snowden, What Does the Russian Leader Think?
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2745: Vladimir Putin Deception regarding Crimea
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