History Daily 1297: Saturday Matinee: The History Bureau
Jan 17, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Harding, a seasoned BBC foreign correspondent, shares his firsthand experiences reporting in 1990s Russia. He vividly recalls the surreal atmosphere during the Soviet collapse and examines Boris Yeltsin's shock-therapy reforms that led to widespread anger. Harding also dives into the chaos following the 1999 apartment bombings, detailing the public's panic and the rise of Vladimir Putin. The conversation uncovers the chilling implications of these events and how they shaped modern Russia's political landscape.
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Danger In Investigating The Truth
- Investigating the bombings proved dangerous; several journalists and investigators died or were targeted.
- That atmosphere of threat suppressed inquiry and shaped public perception of the events.
A Young Correspondent In 1991 Moscow
- Andrew Harding arrived in Moscow in 1991 and slept on a friend's floor to become a foreign correspondent.
- He experienced the Soviet collapse firsthand and stayed to cover Russia's turbulent 1990s.
Shock Therapy And Social Collapse
- Boris Yeltsin's shock-therapy reforms led to hyperinflation and widespread impoverishment.
- The resulting social collapse created fertile ground for oligarchs and political instability by the late 1990s.