

#7048
Mentioned in 4 episodes
Putin's People
How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took on the West
Book • 2020
In 'Putin’s People: How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took on the West', Catherine Belton provides a comprehensive and chilling account of Vladimir Putin’s rise to power.
The book reveals how Putin, along with a small group of KGB men, seized control of Russia, looted the country, and built a new league of loyal oligarchs.
Belton’s research, based on exclusive interviews with key insiders, exposes the intricate network involving politicians, organized crime, and sympathetic journalists that helped Putin consolidate his power.
The book also details how Putin’s regime subverted Russia’s economy and legal system, suppressed independent voices, and launched covert influence operations abroad, extending their reach into Western markets and institutions.
The book reveals how Putin, along with a small group of KGB men, seized control of Russia, looted the country, and built a new league of loyal oligarchs.
Belton’s research, based on exclusive interviews with key insiders, exposes the intricate network involving politicians, organized crime, and sympathetic journalists that helped Putin consolidate his power.
The book also details how Putin’s regime subverted Russia’s economy and legal system, suppressed independent voices, and launched covert influence operations abroad, extending their reach into Western markets and institutions.
Mentioned by




















Mentioned in 4 episodes
Mentioned by 

as a well-researched book on Putin, though slightly conspiratorial.


Ben Wilson

52 snips
Vladimir Putin Part 1 (Updated)
Mentioned by the host as the author of the book, discussing Putin's rise to power.

14 snips
The Age of the Strongman: Understanding Putin, with Catherine Belton (Part Two)
Mentioned by 

as the author of the best biography of Putin.


Gideon Rachman

14 snips
The Age of the Strongman: Understanding Putin, with Catherine Belton (Part One)
Mentioned by 

as a guest on the podcast, and author of Putin's People.


Gideon Rachman

The making of Vladimir Putin
Mentioned by 

as the author of Putin's People, discussing the impact of sanctions on Russian oligarchs.


Marc Filippino

Russia squeezes Germany over gas
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as an inspiring book about the KGB state built in Russia and how money laundering is used to dismantle the Western system.

Axel Humlesjö

Axel Humlesjö | 'Money Laundering Is The Biggest Societal Issue Facing Europe' - It's Honey Traps, Kompromat & The Cancer Of Offshore Finance All The Way Down...
Recommended by ![undefined]()

as a brilliant book about Putin's rise.

Fred Studemann

FT Weekend: Our summer books and films special
Mentioned by 

as exploring the rise of Russian president Vladimir Putin.


Conor Boyle

After Putin: The Beginning Of The End? (Bonus)
Mentioned by 

as a book that was persecuted through the courts.


Tom Burgis

Kleptocracy Now – How the global corruption machine is seizing power – This Is Not A Drill BONUS
Mentioned by 

as a book that provided insights into Putin's Russia and his leadership.


Shane Harris

Chatter: Closing the Chatterbox, with Shane Harris and David Priess
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

, suggesting that Putin instructed Abramovich to buy Chelsea as part of Russian investment in British life.

Miguel Delaney

Christmassy Episode: Miguel Delaney on the geopolitics of football
Mentioned by 

, who congratulates the author on the fantastic book.


Jill Dougherty

Influence Operations and Russia’s Vision of the Future
Recommended by ![undefined]()

for its insightful look into Putin's rise to power and the role of the KGB.

Anastasiia Lapatina

Rational Security: The "Ukraine in the Membrane" Edition
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book that explains Putin's background and rise to power.

Edward Lucas

Putin's People with Catherine Belton and Edward Lucas
Mentioned by H.R. McMaster as a book he recently finished and enjoyed, focusing on Russia.

HR McMaster on His Time as NSA, China, and History's Role in Policymaking
Recommended by ![undefined]()

as a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at Putin's circle and how they've run Russia.

Downtown Josh Brown

It Doesn't Matter Until It Matters