In Moscow's Shadows

In Moscow's Shadows 173: Personalistic Power under Putin

Nov 3, 2024

Explore the intricate web of power in contemporary Russia through insightful book reviews. Delve into the transition from idealism to pragmatism among political figures. Discover the complex narratives surrounding Boris Berezovsky in Putin's regime. Understand the dynamics of post-Soviet politics and how historical clans shape current power structures. The discussion unveils personal relationships and institutional influences that intricately weave the political landscape, revealing the significance of familial ties among the elite.

49:51

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Quick takeaways

The podcast highlights that personalistic explanations of power under Putin can overlook systemic dynamics and historical clan influences in Russian politics.

It emphasizes the importance of integrating personal narratives with broader social and institutional contexts to fully understand contemporary Russia's political landscape.

Deep dives

Exploring Power and Personality in Russia

The discussion highlights the interplay of power and personality in contemporary Russia, drawing insights from three distinct books. The first book, 'The Wizard of the Kremlin,' presents a fictional narrative that blends real historical elements with creative storytelling, illustrating the complexities of early Putinism through the character of Vadim Baranov. Baranov's journey reflects a disillusionment with the intelligentsia and a growing understanding that genuine change in Russia is unlikely to arise from the émigré dissidents. Instead, Baranov believes meaningful transformation will come from within the country, influenced by the struggles faced by ordinary Russians against corruption and authoritarianism.

Intro

5min

Navigating Power in Post-Soviet Russia

12min

Understanding Putin's Regime through Berezovsky

18min

The Evolution of National Power

8min

Unraveling Russia's Political Tapestry

6min

I use reviews of three books to consider the risks and limitations of personalistic explanations of power under Putin, and whether a medieval concept of clan and family actually makes more sense...

The books are:

THE WIZARD OF THE KREMLIN by GIULIANO DA EMPOLI (Pushkin Press)
THE KREMLIN’S NOOSE. PUTIN’S BITTER FEUD WITH THE OLIGARCH WHO MADE HIM RULER OF RUSSIA by AMY KNIGHT (Icon Books and Cornell UP)
THE RULING FAMILIES OF RUS. CLAN, FAMILY AND KINGDOM, by CHRISTIAN RAFFENSPERGER and DONALD OSTROWSKI (Reaktion Books)

The Inozemtsev piece I mention is here, and my review of the play Patriots is here.

The podcast's corporate partner and sponsor is Conducttr, which provides software for innovative and immersive crisis exercises in hybrid warfare, counter-terrorism, civil affairs and similar situations.

You can also follow my blog, In Moscow's Shadows, and become one of the podcast's supporting Patrons and gain question-asking rights and access to exclusive extra materials including the (almost-) weekly Govorit Moskva news briefing right here.

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