Ever wondered how Putin rose to power in Russia? Or why we hear so much about Russian Oligarchs in the news? Or why Russia believes it has a right to govern or influence politics in eastern Europe? This episode is for listeners wanting an introduction into Russian politics or anybody after more context behind Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine.

In this episode, Dr Natasha Kuhrt (King's College London), an expert on Russian relations, examines some of the reasons behind Putin's constant use of intimidation on the international stage and why Russia has become such a belligerent power, which is essential if we are to understand why Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. People are beginning to talk of a second Cold War - sometimes between the US and China - but the term is also occasionally used to refer to tensions between the west and Russia. If we are to understand European security, therefore, we must understand what is escalating these tensions and why Russia is becoming increasingly aggressive.