Jill Dougherty

Jill Dougherty, former CNN Moscow bureau chief and author, shares her decades of experience covering Russian leaders like Gorbachev and Putin. She discusses her deep connection to Russian culture and the transformational shift from Yeltsin’s chaotic politics to Putin’s controlled regime. Jill also reflects on the evolution of Russian media under Putin's grip and how U.S. foreign policy has shaped Russia's post-Soviet trajectory. With insights on Putin’s psychology and Russia's future, she highlights the complexities of understanding today’s Russia.

Iran expert John Krzyzaniak and former CNN Moscow bureau chief Jill Dougherty discuss the implications of Iran's new spy satellite, Russia's information clampdown, and the challenges of gathering intelligence in Russia. Topics include the capabilities of the satellite, difficulties in accessing information about Russia, potential risks of returning without protection, and the political stability of Russia.

The podcast features Stephen Braun, co-author of Merchant of Death, and journalist Jill Dougherty discussing the suspected intelligence ties of Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. They dive into his illicit weapon dealings, connections to Russian intelligence, and his denial of such connections. The podcast also explores Russia's growing interest in Africa and the US pursuit of Bout. The episode ends with a teaser for a future episode about getting insights from inside Russia.