#4586
Mentioned in 7 episodes

Nothing is true and everything is possible

The Surreal Heart of the New Russia
Book • 2012
In this book, Peter Pomerantsev recounts his experiences working in the Russian TV industry, where he encountered a world of professional killers, Kremlin puppet-masters, suicidal supermodels, and oligarch revolutionaries.

The book is a kaleidoscopic series of anecdotes and vignettes that reveal the corruption, decadence, and rapid changes in post-Soviet Russia.

Pomerantsev's observations highlight the subtle yet powerful form of dictatorship that has emerged under the Putin regime, challenging the West with its unique blend of illusion, glamor, and authoritarian control.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 7 episodes

Mentioned by Alastair Campbell as a book that explains how Putin made modern Russia.
11 snips
2. Lying, vanity and friendship in politics
Mentioned by Rudyard Lynch while discussing Putin's propaganda strategies.
The Coming Fall of Russia
Recommended by Tom Holland as a brilliant book that highlights Putin's manipulation of reality.
162. Putin's Russia
Mentioned by Hannah Dawson to illustrate the dangers of non-realism in politics.
After the End of Truth | John Searle, Hilary Lawson, Hannah Dawson
Mentioned by Peter Pomerantsev as his first book, discussing the rise of a new type of authoritarianism in Russia.
How to Win an Information War with Peter Pomerantsev
Mentioned by Stephen Dyson when discussing the challenges of distinguishing truth from falsehood in authoritarian regimes.
The Politics of Andor (Season 2 Episodes 4-6): Too Much Information
Recommended by Jordan Schneider to listeners interested in the Russian media landscape.
Building – and Selling – the Great Firewall
Mentioned by Jordan Harbinger , referencing a phrase from the book.
360: Garry Kasparov | Deep Thinking for Disordered Times
Mentioned by Ezra Klein as a mind-blowing book about how media worked in modern Russia.
How politics became a war against reality
Mentioned by Demetri Kofinas as a book exploring the transformation of Russia and the rise of disinformation.
The 'Restart of History' & How to Invest in a Broken Economy | Demetri Kofinas
Mentioned by Jon Favreau as a book about Putin's Russia.
"New Phone, Coup Dis?" (with Stacey Abrams!)
Mentioned by Shane Told in comparison to Enter Shikari's new album.
Rou Reynolds (Enter Shikari) returns!
Recommended by Nina Jankowicz for its insights into Russia's disinformation tactics.
#210 - Nina Jankowicz - Russian Election Meddling & Fake News
Mentioned by Cliff May as a book on Russian propaganda.
Disinformation and the Surreal Heart of the New Russia

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