The Tom Woods Show Ep. 2624 Who Is Vladimir Putin? An Unorthodox View
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Mar 28, 2025 Vladimir Brovkin, a Harvard professor specializing in Russian history, offers a compelling look into Vladimir Putin's identity and political motivations. He navigates Putin's rise from Leningrad to power, analyzing how the geopolitical landscape has transformed since the Soviet Union's collapse. Brovkin discusses the intricate dynamics between oligarchs and the state, the impact of U.S. involvement in Ukraine, and critiques the manipulation of fear surrounding Russian aggression. The conversation invites a deeper understanding of Russia's evolving identity and military dynamics.
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Shared Leningrad Roots
- Vladimir Brovkin and Putin share a Leningrad birthplace and generational background, understanding the impact of historical events.
- This shared experience allows Brovkin to analyze Putin's perspective on Russia.
Putin and the Oligarchs
- Putin consolidated power by ending oligarchic control, establishing a new rule: keep your money, stay out of politics.
- Those who resisted this new order faced investigations for financial misdeeds, not direct political repression.
2014 Ukrainian Coup
- Brovkin asserts the U.S. orchestrated the 2014 Ukrainian coup, promoting Western-friendly groups under the guise of democracy.
- Putin's reaction was reserved, prioritizing negotiation and compromise, drawing criticism from Donbass.