Intelligence Squared Mark Galeotti and Edward Lucas on what the West gets wrong about Putin
Jul 26, 2019
Mark Galeotti, a respected Russia expert and author of "We Need to Talk About Putin," joins journalist Edward Lucas for an eye-opening discussion on Vladimir Putin's enigmatic leadership. They dissect common misconceptions, revealing Putin as more of an opportunist than a calculated strategist. The talk delves into the intertwining of political power and the Russian Orthodox Church, societal sentiment towards the West, and the effects of historical narratives on Russian identity. Galeotti emphasizes the need for the West to understand these complexities to engage Russia effectively.
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Putin: Opportunist, Not Mastermind
- Many perceive Putin as a strategic mastermind controlling Russia's every move.
- Galeotti argues Putin is more of an opportunist, often bumbling between actions.
Putin's Rise: Making Himself Indispensable
- Putin's rise can be attributed to his knack for identifying key figures.
- He made himself indispensable to powerful individuals, securing his own position.
Putin's Early KGB Aspirations
- As a child, Putin inquired about joining the KGB.
- They advised him to get a law degree first, which he pursued.
