In Moscow's Shadows

In Moscow's Shadows 158: A Hectic Week in Russia

Aug 4, 2024

A whirlwind week in Russia reveals major prisoner swaps and turmoil within the military. Tensions rise as Western hostage tactics come to light, showcasing the precarious position of dissidents. A closer look at corruption unveils superficial moves, hinting at a deeper status quo. Corporate power plays complicate a controversial merger, while Wagner faces military challenges in Mali. The shifting geopolitical landscape hints at escalating proxy wars, particularly in the global south.

58:43

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The recent significant prisoner exchange underscores Putin's strategic maneuvering to reinforce support for Russian spies and military agents abroad.

Ongoing arrests of senior military officials reveal pervasive corruption within the Russian Defense Ministry amidst increasing public scrutiny over military performance.

Deep dives

Significance of the Largest Prisoner Swap

A recent large-scale prisoner swap has taken place, making it the most significant since the Soviet Union's collapse. The exchange involved hostages, including Western detainees like journalist Evan Gershkovich and US Marine Paul Whelan, for Russian intelligence officers. This maneuver is interpreted as a strategic win for Putin, reinforcing a long-standing commitment to retrieve captured agents under what is termed a 'spook social contract' established during KGB times. This promise of protection is crucial, especially as Russian spies face increased risks and must be assured of support when operating undercover.

Intro

3min

Hostage Tactics and Political Turmoil in Russia

28min

Illusions of Accountability in Russian Corruption

3min

Corporate Power and State Control

20min

Geopolitical Tensions and Proxy Wars in the Global South

2min

Where to start? The prisoner exchange and subsequent furore over released dissidents' statements? More arrests of senior military figures? The bizarre shenanigans over a controversial merger in Russian online business? Wagner's heavy losses in Mali? I try tackling them all.

NB: Updated 5 August to reflect Ilya Yashin's subsequent further comments on the war.

The BNE Intellinews article I mentioned 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 right here.

Support the show

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode