The David McWilliams Podcast Putin’s Empire, the West’s Game: Revisiting Bill Browder’s Insight on Russia
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Dec 26, 2024 Bill Browder, an American-born British financier and fierce critic of Putin, dives deep into the tangled web of power underpinning Russia's current regime. He outlines Putin's rise to power and his uneasy relationship with oligarchs, revealing the corruption that fuels this dynamic. Browder discusses the Western response to the Ukraine conflict and challenges the effectiveness of sanctions, questioning the real objectives behind the prolonged warfare. He emphasizes the complex geopolitical chess game, where financial control often outweighs ideology.
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The Bear at Davos
- David McWilliams recalls a Davos party where a Russian oligarch brought a bear on a leash.
- This anecdote highlights the extravagant displays of wealth and power common among Russian oligarchs.
The Rise of Putin
- Yeltsin's failing health and unpredictability prompted oligarchs to seek a successor who would maintain the status quo.
- They aimed to find someone who would pardon Yeltsin's crimes and ensure their own financial security.
Putin's Selection
- Putin was initially chosen due to his perceived reliability and loyalty, not charisma.
- His early acts as president, including economic reforms, created a false sense of normalization.
