The Rise of Putin: A Political Journey

This chapter reflects on the speaker's extensive career and ongoing projects related to Slavic and Eastern European studies, while offering a deep analysis of Vladimir Putin's ascent to power during the tumultuous 1990s in Russia. It explores the socio-economic challenges, the brutal realities of governance, and the influence of Yeltsin's era on Putin's strategies and popularity. Additionally, the chapter critiques the Western portrayal of Russia and discusses the significant geopolitical implications of Putin's actions both domestically and internationally.