AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
3min snip
In Moscow's Shadows 138: Gangster Geopolitics
In Moscow's Shadows
Criminal Utilization by State and Putin's Social Contract with Gangsters
The KGB used criminals like black marketeers and currency speculators to gather information on tourists. Criminals were considered instrumental by the security apparatus. Putin's strategy upon coming to power was to prioritize appearing tough on crime rather than actually combatting organized crime. A gangster kept a suitcase of cash under his bed to escape if informed of an impending arrest. Putin's unspoken social contract with gangsters was that as long as they didn't challenge or embarrass the state, they would not be targeted. The state only intervened with organized crime when it became necessary or beneficial to do so.
00:00
Transcript
Episode notes
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
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