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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
question_answer ANECDOTE
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.
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How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took on the West
Catherine Belton
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 New Cold War
David E. Sanger
Former Moscow correspondent and investigative journalist Catherine Belton reveals the untold story of how Vladimir Putin and his entourage of KGB men seized power in Russia and built a new league of oligarchs. Through exclusive interviews with key inside players, Belton tells how Putin’s people conducted their relentless seizure of private companies, took over the economy, siphoned billions, blurred the lines between organised crime and political powers, shut down opponents, and then used their riches and power to extend influence in the West. She spoke to Edward Lucas, columnist at The Times and a security expert on Russia and Europe. To buy Catherine Belton's book 'Putin's People' click here: https://amzn.to/2BLqMco. ------------------------------ Intelligence Squared+. The world's best speakers. Your questions. £4.99 per month. Intelligence Squared+ will bring you live, interactive events every week on our new online platform. Just like at our real-life events, you’ll be able to put your questions to our speakers, vote in live polls and interact with other members of the audience. Your subscription will give you access to multiple events featuring the world’s top thinkers and opinion formers, including Thomas Piketty, Margaret Atwood, Clive Woodward, Thomas Friedman, Meera Syal and Paloma Faith. For a full list of Intelligence Squared+ events and to subscribe, click here: https://bit.ly/2yfYIfm
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