Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin (Geopolitics in the 21st Century) - Softcover

"Remember the unverified "dossier" assembled by a shadowy foreign intelligence veteran who alleged all manner of nefarious, kinky and compromising ties between Donald Trump and Russia? Well, now the Trump team has its own dossier on Russian President Vladimir Putin. It's better sourced, convincingly written, damning in its conclusions - and its author is scheduled to start working at the White House." - Washington Post "As experienced students of modern Russia, Fiona Hill and Clifford Gaddy are exceptionally well qualified to explain the experiences and influences which shaped the mind of Vladimir Putin. . . . If you want to begin to understand Russia today, read this book." - Sir John Scarlett, former chief of the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) "Veteran Russia watchers Hill and Gaddy bring high-level expertise to bear on the enigma of Vladimir Putin in this illuminating study. . . . [It] combines enough historical background and contemporary analysis for a graduate-level seminar along with an accessible writing style that won't deter more casual readers." -Publishers Weekly "Let it be stated unambiguously at the outset: this book is a tour de force." -Political Studies Review "For anyone wishing to understand Russia's evolution since the breakup of the Soviet Union and its trajectory since then, the book you hold in your hand is an essential guide. - John McLaughlin, former deputy director of U.S. Central Intelligence "Of the many biographies of Vladimir Putin that have appeared in recent years, this one is the most useful. - Foreign Affairs "This is not just another Putin biography. It is a psychological portrait. - The Financial Times "Considering how busy you are, do you have time to read books? If so, which ones would you recommend? ". . . My goodness, let's see. There's Mr. Putin, by Fiona Hill and Clifford Gaddy. Insightful." -Vice President Joseph Biden in Joe Biden: The Rolling Stone Interview

Today Crimea. Tomorrow . . . ? Many Putin watchers believe that being able to anticipate the quixotic Russian president's next move - whether it's hosting another grandiose spectacle, crushing a political rival, or annexing part of a neighboring country - depends on uncovering the "real" Vladimir Putin and his true motives. In this revised and updated edition of their acclaimed study Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin, Russia experts Fiona Hill and Clifford Gaddy argue that Putin is in fact a man of many complex identities. Drawing on a range of sources, including their own personal encounters, they describe six that are most essential: the Statist, the History Man, the Survivalist, the Outsider, the Free Marketeer, and the Case Officer. Understanding Putin's multiple dimensions is crucial for policymakers trying to decide how best to deal with Russia.