In Moscow's Shadows
Mark Galeotti
Russia, behind the headlines as well as in the shadows. This podcast is the audio counterpart to Mark Galeotti's blog of the same name, a place where "one of the most informed and provocative voices on modern Russia", can talk about Russia historical and (more often) contemporary, discuss new books and research, and sometimes talk to other Russia-watchers. If you'd like to keep the podcast coming and generally support my work, or want to ask questions or suggest topics for me to cover, do please contribute to my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/InMoscowsShadowsThe 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 28, 2024 • 49min
In Moscow's Shadows 132: A View from the Provinces
Explore the overlooked provinces of Russia through the lens of the Komi Republic. Understand grassroots propaganda, socioeconomic conditions, and political marginalization in this resource-dependent region. Learn about discrediting the army, controversial trials, risks and surveillance, and the importance of publicizing resistance and engaging with regional findings in Russia.
6 snips
Jan 21, 2024 • 1h 9min
In Moscow's Shadows 131: European Strategy and Vorobyov's Prospects
Dilemmas and limitations facing European strategy over Ukraine. Hungary's actions and the changing perspective of Europeans. Challenges in developing a strategy in response to Putin's attack. Sequestering Russian assets for Ukraine's economic recovery. Exploring Andre Varabiov's potential as president. Rise and fall of a former minister of finance. The potential rise of Vorybov and his qualities as a successor.
Jan 14, 2024 • 46min
In Moscow's Shadows 130: Questions I Can't Answer
The podcast discusses unanswered questions regarding Russia's patience, the next disruptor, and a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. It also explores corruption in Russian settlements, uncertainties of the war in Ukraine, and the importance of analyzing based on facts.
Jan 7, 2024 • 40min
In Moscow's Shadows 129: It's All About Putin's Eggs
Explore the egg crisis in Putin's Russia, with insights on the historical context of food-related protests, Kremlin's actions, and Moscow FSB Directorate's role. Discuss the impact on border cities and economic challenges. Learn about the potential impact of different types of leaders and an intriguing anecdote about religious imagery in eggs.
4 snips
Dec 29, 2023 • 55min
In Moscow's Shadows 128: Politics, War and Lunacy - a look forward to 2024
This podcast episode looks ahead to the upcoming year, covering topics such as the presidential elections in Russia, the ongoing war in the Black Sea, the shrinking middle class, and Russia's relationship with the Mongols.
4 snips
Dec 23, 2023 • 56min
In Moscow's Shadows 127: When Napoleon was Nuked and Other Russian Conspiracy Theories
Explore the prevalence and complexity of conspiracy theories in Russia, including weaponized conspiracy theories, managed falsehoods, and bizarre theories about historical events. Discuss the impact of the Soviet Afghan war and the involvement of the veterans movement. Uncover various conspiracy theories about Lenin, the CIA, and the dismantling of the Russian Federation. Examine the vulnerability of Russian culture to conspiracy theories due to lack of transparency, control of information, and belief in deeper spiritual meanings. Reflect on the prevalence of conspiracy theories arising from political and cultural trauma in Russia.
5 snips
Dec 17, 2023 • 46min
In Moscow's Shadows 126: Truth and Tedium in Putin's Marathon Town Hall and the Russian Press
A recent town hall meeting hosted by Putin was described as a four-hour, four-minute procession of banalities and boredom. The importance of instilling hope and portraying success to the Russian population was emphasized. The tenuous connection between an article connecting Ukrainian armed forces to the Third Reich was discussed. The concept of a coordinated western conspiracy and the renewed focus on the Nazi angle in Russian propaganda were explored. The factors contributing to the dramatic increase in the price of eggs in Russia were explored. The destabilization of the criminal balance of power in Putin's Russia was discussed.
4 snips
Dec 10, 2023 • 50min
In Moscow's Shadows 125: Putin's Coming Back! And So's the Cold War?
The podcast discusses Putin's surprise announcement to stand for re-election and analyzes the motives behind it. It explores the potential threat Russia poses to NATO and debates the timeline for Russia's rearmament. The chapter also highlights the challenges of military training and mobilization and emphasizes the need to understand Russia's intentions and address threats in a realistic and timely manner.
7 snips
Dec 3, 2023 • 54min
In Moscow's Shadows 124: Putin's Performative Politics
This podcast explores Putin's defensive politics, fragility of authoritarian regimes and lack of ideology. It also delves into Russia's shifting stance on homosexuality, political strategy of portraying Russia as a normal country, use of fear and reassurance in political communication, and performative politics.
Nov 19, 2023 • 55min
In Moscow's Shadows 123: Russia's 'Red-Brown' Leftists, and How I Became A Voice of the West
Left Front figure Leonid Razvozzhaev supports including ultra-nationalist Igor 'Strelkov' Girkin in presidential opposition. How does the Russian left differ from the West's and what are the implications of 'red-brown' alliances? The episode also delves into misinterpretations of the author's writings and the strategic manipulation of information by the Russian press. Possible outcomes of a revolution in Russia and speculation on a deal with Putin are discussed.
