Putin and Bush both seem to believe that the way to gain respect for (or fear of) your country is with a strong military and an aggressive foreign policy that isn't afraid to use it. Increase that military budget to show the world you are serious.

What that way of thinking does to the economy and the lives of their citizens never seems to be that high on their list of concerns. Being thought of as a strong leader (a "decider" so to speak) is much more important to them.