The Political Scene | The New Yorker Fiona Hill on What Putin Tells Us About Trump
51 snips
Jul 11, 2025 
Fiona Hill, a renowned Russia expert and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, discusses the intricate connections between Vladimir Putin's authoritarian regime and Donald Trump's presidency. Hill highlights alarming parallels between the political climates in Russia and the U.S., especially regarding the erosion of democratic institutions. She also reflects on Trump’s impact on American governance and the military dynamics that threaten global security. With keen insights, she warns against the troubling shift towards authoritarianism in American politics.
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Putin's War-Driven Presidency
- Vladimir Putin's presidency is marked by ongoing conflicts starting with Chechnya and escalating with Ukraine.
- His aggressive stance combines historical imperial motives with a modern warfare approach including hybrid tactics.
Predicting January 6 Capitol Violence
- Fiona Hill and Susan Glasser feared January 6, 2021 violence due to Trump's false election claims.
- Their worry proved true as violence erupted at the U.S. Capitol the following day.
U.S. Mirrors Russian Authoritarianism
- The U.S. increasingly follows Russia's authoritarian playbook and democratic backsliding.
- Hope for a different democratic path remains, but current trends show deepening challenges.
