Sources & Methods Former CIA station chief distills Putin's approach to Trump
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Oct 20, 2025 Rob Dannenberg, a former CIA officer and two-time station chief in Moscow, shares his deep insights into Vladimir Putin's tactics. He reveals how Putin's KGB training influences his dealings with President Trump, emphasizing the use of intelligence for manipulation. Dannenberg also discusses why Budapest serves as a cozy backdrop for Putin, given its alignment with Viktor Orban. Plus, in a fun twist, he connects cocktails with espionage, highlighting his journey from spy craft to co-authoring a cocktail tradecraft book.
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Sources Trump Methods In Tradecraft
- Sources (people) matter far more than methods in intelligence work because they're hardest to replace.
- Methods adapt but losing a source creates long-term gaps for policymakers.
KGB Training Shapes Putin's Tactics
- Putin's KGB training gives him skills to assess and manipulate targets, including leaders.
- Dannenberg links that training to Putin's approach toward meeting and influencing presidents.
Preparation Gives Putin The Edge
- Putin benefits from extensive intelligence files on Trump and prepares strategically for meetings.
- That preparation and execution give Putin an advantage in summit diplomacy.
