Inside Putin’s Brain—and the Soul of an Intel Warrior
Feb 17, 2022
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Angela Stent, author of "Putin’s World," offers insights into Vladimir Putin's character and tactics. Lt. Col. Ron Capps captures the pain of war in his beautiful songs and stories. Topics discussed include Putin's aggressive actions, mental health in diplomatic circles, alternative therapies for veterans, and personal experiences in fictional poems and songs about the aftermath of war.
Putin's background as a KGB case officer and judo practitioner influences his determined and manipulative behavior.
Art, music, and writing therapy are vital tools for individuals to process trauma and take control of their stories.
Deep dives
Angela Stent's Insights on Vladimir Putin's Personality
Angela Stent, author of Putin's World, Russia Against the West and with the rest, and former national intelligence officer for Russia and Eurasia, shares her insights on Vladimir Putin's personality. Stent describes Putin as masked, determined, and manipulative, analyzing his poker face, judo background, and experiences as a KGB case officer as factors influencing his behavior. She also discusses the current aggressive stance of Putin, suggesting that he sees the current global environment as an opportune moment to make strategic moves. Stent examines the leverage Russia has, particularly concerning natural gas supplies, and highlights the strengthened partnership between Russia and China. She concludes by acknowledging the challenges the West faces in dealing with Putin and suggests a need to rethink strategies.
Ron Capps: Mental Health Challenges in Intelligence and Military Circles
Ron Capps, a former Army Intelligence Officer and diplomat, shares his own experience of struggling with mental health issues after years of working in war-torn areas. Capps discusses the toll of multiple deployments without sufficient downtime and the feeling of failure when unable to stop acts of violence and genocide. He highlights the importance of storytelling and writing to take control of one's own story and suggests expanding therapy programs that incorporate the arts, nature, and alternative therapies. Capps also discusses his return to music as another avenue of therapy, emphasizing the narratives in his songs that focus on the return home of soldiers and the aftermath of war.
The Need for Expanded Mental Health Programs
Reflecting on the challenges faced by intelligence and military personnel, it is suggested that expanded mental health programs are necessary. These programs should include alternative therapies such as art, music, dance, and nature therapy to address mental health issues effectively. The importance of writing therapy is highlighted, and the need for professional organizations overseeing writing therapy is emphasized. The article calls for programs focusing on holistic approaches to mental health, taking into account the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals in intelligence and military circles.
The Power of Storytelling and Music in Healing
The power of storytelling and music in the healing process is explored. Personal narratives and storytelling are seen as effective tools for individuals to process their experiences and take control of their stories. Writing therapy is highlighted as a way to externalize emotions and experiences, leading to greater understanding and self-empowerment. Music therapy is discussed as a means of expression and healing, particularly in relation to the experiences of soldiers returning home from war. The intersection of art, music, and mental health is emphasized as a valuable resource for individuals dealing with trauma and the aftermath of war.
Jeanne Meserve talks with Angela Stent, author of Putin’s World, and Jeff Stein catches up with former US Army Lt. Col. Ron Capps, who’s capturing the pain of war in his beautiful songs and stories.
