Catherine Belton

Catherine Belton, an acclaimed journalist and author of "Putin's People," shares insights on Vladimir Putin's strategic rise to power, fueled by a network of KGB affiliates and oligarchs. Alongside Arkady Ostrovsky, a Russian politics expert, they analyze the complex dynamics between Putin and Trump, revealing a shared disdain for liberal values. They also discuss the implications of European military roles in Ukraine and the moral justifications used to support Russia's actions, highlighting the intricate geopolitical landscape that affects us all.

Catherine Belton, a Washington Post reporter and author of "Putin’s People," and Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, dive into Vladimir Putin's rise to power. They discuss how a network of KGB officers and oligarchs orchestrated his ascent. Belton reveals Putin's tactics of fear and corruption, while Ostrovsky analyzes his current ambitions, especially regarding Ukraine. They also explore the implications of Putin’s actions on global democracy and Western relations, highlighting the troubling trend of ‘strongman leadership’.

Catherine Belton, an award-winning journalist for the Washington Post, and Arkady Ostrovsky, a prominent author for The Economist, delve into Vladimir Putin’s ambitions. They explore his quest to re-establish Russia as a global superpower, reflecting on the costs involved. The duo examines his rise from obscurity to dominance, the shift in his relationship with the West, and the complex dynamics between him and Donald Trump. Their insights shed light on the psychological motivations behind strongman leadership in today’s geopolitics.

Catherine Belton, an international investigative reporter for The Washington Post specializing in Russia, sheds light on the Kremlin's aggressive influence operations amid the Ukraine conflict. She discusses how Russia's disinformation campaigns aim to reshape global security and exploit societal divisions in the U.S. and Europe. Belton reveals the interconnectedness of hybrid warfare tactics with far-right politics and highlights a call for a robust Western response to counterbalance Russia's ambitions and uphold international order.

The podcast discusses Putin's tactics in the Russian election, Macron's diplomatic efforts, and Rishi Sunak's interest in foreign policy. It delves into the challenges of balancing assertiveness and diplomacy in France's foreign policy, analyzes the impact of a minister's resignation on national security, and explores the UK's position in supporting Ukraine.