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.
In 'The Age of the Strongman', Gideon Rachman explores the global phenomenon of authoritarian leaders, examining how they have risen to power in diverse countries and the common tactics they use to maintain control. The book provides a comprehensive look at the challenges these leaders pose to liberal democracy and the implications for global stability.
The Invention of Russia explores how Russia transitioned from a hopeful post-Soviet era under Gorbachev to a militaristic and authoritarian state under Putin. The book highlights the role of media and ideologists in shaping Russia's narrative and creating a new reality that supports Putin's power. It delves into the ideological conflicts and manipulations that have led Russia to its current geopolitical stance.
This event was part of our Age of the Strongman series. Click here to see the other events in the series: https://www.intelligencesquared.com/the-age-of-the-strongman/.
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War in Ukraine. Interference in democratic elections. The sponsorship of extremist politics to destabilise Europe. In recent years, Vladimir Putin has waged a relentless campaign to expand his influence beyond Russia’s borders and to undermine Western democracy. But how did he come to have such control over Russia – and what is it that he really wants?
In March 2025 Catherine Belton, acclaimed journalist and author of the bestselling book Putin’s People: How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took on the West joined us live from Kyiv for this installment of our series, The Age of the Strongman. Drawing on years of investigative reporting, Belton revealed how Putin’s rise was orchestrated by a network of former KGB officers and oligarchs who used economic power, fear and corruption to install him in the Kremlin. She explored how this model of governance and ‘strongman leadership’ has been exported globally and what the consequences continue to be for us all.
The event was chaired by Gideon Rachman, Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator for the Financial Times.
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