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SpyTalk

Meeting of the Minds

Jun 11, 2021
Dr. Kenneth Dekleva, a psychiatrist who served in the US embassy in Moscow, joins for a special edition. They discuss Putin's personality, KGB culture, fall of the Soviet Union, motivations, tactics, strategic imperatives, and psychological tactics in the Biden-Putin meeting. They also analyze Putin's personality based on primary and secondary sources.
22:27

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Understanding Putin's upbringing, background, and motivations is crucial for countering his ruthless actions.
  • Putin strategically seeks to weaken the EU and NATO by establishing warm diplomatic relationships and engaging in tactical provocations.

Deep dives

Understanding Vladimir Putin's Personality

Vladimir Putin possesses extraordinary resilience, competence, and endurance, making him a formidable adversary. While some may label him a narcissist, such psychiatric labeling doesn't provide much insight. Name-calling like dictator or thug is unhelpful. Although Putin's actions can be ruthless and violent, understanding why he behaves this way is crucial for countering him. Growing up in war-torn Leningrad, his time in the KGB, and his interest in martial arts and diplomacy have shaped him. The fall of the Soviet Union was a psychological blow for him, resonating with many Russians.

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