Memes mocking Russian President Vladimir Putin, like this one on a sign in Moscow, are reminiscent of parodies of US politicians. (Photo by Sarah Stuteville)

Alex is a cofounder and editor of The Seattle Globalist. He's a visual journalist whose work has been published by PBS, The Seattle Times, FRONTLINE/World and the Seattle Weekly.  Alex teaches journalism in the University of Washington's Department of Communication and recently directed the documentary film Barzan.