Twenty years in power.
On New Year's Eve 1999, a young Vladimir Putin appeared on Russian TV screens - awkward, self-conscious... and the new President. Two decades later, Putin is still in power, standing self-assured and at ease on the world stage. How did a once little known KGB bureaucrat became one of the most dominant figures of twenty first century politics?
In this gripping narrative history, Misha Glenny, journalist and best-selling author of McMafia, tells the story of an unexpected and swift rise to power - one full of political intrigue, backroom deals, courtroom battles and war.
Insider Kremlin accounts and well-known journalists reveal how Putin was first chosen by Yeltsin and the Oligarchy and how he then went head to head with Russia's richest man. After Putin had consolidated power he needed to stay in power. The second half of the series tells the story of how he took over the media, Crimea and increased the powers of the KGB. Finally, Misha considers what Putin might do next.
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(Audible Original, 20 August 2019, 2 hours 45 minutes, audiobook, Audible Original Podcast from @audibleuk, free with membership, created by @0_dasha_1 & @russellfinch, narrated by @MishaGlenny)
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I knew very little about Putin before I listened to this, just very vague ideas gleamed from the TV so I went into this podcast with no expectations. That's often the best thing. I really enjoyed this podcast. This podcast offers a wide scope look at Putin. The information presented is not biased or one-sided and you tell it is well-researched and presented in such a way to let listeners reach their own conclusions. I was captivated from episode one. Another hit from Audible Original Podcasts.
NB: This took so long to listen to because I listen to these podcasts at work and I've been on annual leave for two weeks.
