I don't think that's the lesson from Putin. Putin's propaganda features these absurd strongman displays of masculinity because it works, it's a very well known

I don't think that's the lesson from Putin. Putin's propaganda features these absurd strongman displays of masculinity because it works, it's a very well known and ancient exploit in the human mind and societies as a whole. I'm sure Putin would prefer to do the evil things he does without having to do the whole song and dance of propaganda.