Intelligence Squared Putin's People with Catherine Belton and Edward Lucas
Jul 7, 2020
Catherine Belton, a seasoned investigative journalist, uncovers the hidden machinations behind Vladimir Putin's rise to power, revealing his KGB roots and the intertwining of organized crime with state politics. Edward Lucas, a noted security expert, joins the discussion, shedding light on Putin's hybrid warfare tactics and his manipulation of Western perceptions. They explore the impact of oligarchs, the complexities of Kremlin politics, and the evolving threat to democracy, providing a deep dive into Russia's turbulent landscape and its future.
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Putin's Dresden Activities
- Putin's KGB activity in Dresden in the 1980s is shrouded in secrecy, with records destroyed or removed.
- Despite claims of transparency, little remains in Stasi archives beyond a few photos and birthday greetings.
KGB Roots of Putin's System
- The Putin system's roots lie in the KGB's blend of illegal business and intelligence work.
- This involved seemingly legal businesses with hidden illegal aspects, used for intelligence or acquiring restricted technology.
Putin in Post-Soviet Russia
- Putin returned to Russia after the Berlin Wall's fall, taking a low-grade job at a university, then moving to St. Petersburg's administration.
- This move combined KGB foreign trade expertise, post-Soviet Petersburg criminality, and city administrative power.
