Catherine Belton's "Putin's People" offers a deep dive into the rise of Vladimir Putin and the resurgence of KGB influence in modern Russia. This meticulously researched book uncovers the intricate web of relationships, financial schemes, and power plays that have shaped Russia's political landscape over the past few decades. Belton, a former Moscow correspondent for the Financial Times, draws on extensive interviews and investigations to paint a comprehensive picture of how Putin and his allies have consolidated control over Russia's economy and political system.
The book traces Putin's journey from a relatively unknown KGB officer to the president of Russia, revealing how he and his network of former KGB agents have systematically dismantled the country's nascent democracy and created a system of crony capitalism. Belton explores the complex interplay between politics, business, and organized crime in Russia, showing how the lines between these spheres have become increasingly blurred under Putin's rule.
"Putin's People" is not just a biography of Vladimir Putin or a political history of Russia. It's a detailed account of how a group of former KGB officers, led by Putin, managed to take control of Russia's most valuable assets and use that wealth to extend their influence both domestically and internationally. The book delves into the murky world of offshore finance, examining how Putin's inner circle has used complex financial schemes to enrich themselves and fund operations abroad.
Belton's work also explores Russia's efforts to interfere in Western democracies, from the annexation of Crimea to alleged meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. She argues that these actions are part of a broader strategy to undermine Western institutions and values, while promoting Russia's interests on the global stage.
As we delve into the key ideas of "Putin's People," we'll uncover the fascinating and often disturbing story of how Vladimir Putin and his allies have shaped modern Russia and its relationship with the rest of the world.
Putin's KGB Background
Vladimir Putin's journey to becoming Russia's most powerful figure began long before he entered politics. From a young age, Putin was fascinated by the idea of joining the KGB, the Soviet Union's infamous secret police and intelligence agency. This early ambition would shape his entire career and ultimately influence the course of Russian history.
As a child growing up in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Putin was captivated by spy stories and dreamed of following in his father's footsteps, who had served in a precursor to the KGB. His determination was so strong that he even contacted the local KGB office before finishing school, asking how he could join their ranks. This bold move demonstrated Putin's single-minded focus and willingness to pursue his goals relentlessly – traits that would serve him well in his future political career.
Following the KGB's advice, Putin carefully tailored his education to meet the organization's requirements. He studied law at Leningrad State University, a common path for aspiring KGB officers. Throughout his studies, Putin remained focused on his ultimate goal, taking classes and participating in activities that would make him an attractive recruit for the intelligence agency.
Putin's dedication paid off, and he was accepted into the KGB upon graduation. His early years in the organization were spent in Leningrad, where he worked on counterintelligence operations. However, it was his posting to Dresden, East Germany, in 1985 that would prove to be a formative experience for the future Russian leader.
In Dresden, Putin was exposed to the world of international espionage and covert operations. Although Dresden was considered a backwater posting compared to more prestigious locations like Berlin, it provided Putin with valuable experience in intelligence gathering, recruitment, and the intricacies of operating in a foreign country.
During his time in East Germany, Putin was involved in various KGB activities, including Operation Luch. This secret mission aimed to build a network of agents who could infiltrate political circles in anticipation of potential changes in East Germany's political landscape. Putin's role in this operation remains somewhat mysterious, but it's clear that he gained significant experience in cultivating contacts and managing covert networks – skills that would prove invaluable in his later political career.
Putin's position as the main KGB liaison with the East German secret police, the Stasi, gave him unique access and insights into the workings of authoritarian power structures. He even obtained a Stasi identification card, which allowed him to move freely within Stasi buildings and facilitated his recruitment efforts for Operation Luch.
The KGB's involvement with terrorist groups like the Red Army Faction during this period exposed Putin to the dark underbelly of international politics and the use of violence as a tool for achieving political goals. While there's no direct evidence linking Putin to specific terrorist acts, his proximity to these operations undoubtedly shaped his worldview and understanding of power dynamics.
Putin's time in the KGB, particularly his years in Dresden, left an indelible mark on his character and approach to leadership. The secrecy, discipline, and loyalty demanded by the organization became integral parts of his personal and political ethos. The networks and relationships he built during this period would later prove crucial in his rapid rise to power in post-Soviet Russia.
Moreover, Putin's KGB background instilled in him a deep suspicion of the West and a belief in the importance of a strong, centralized state. These attitudes would significantly influence his policies as Russia's leader, leading to increased authoritarianism at home and a confrontational stance toward Western democracies abroad.
As we'll see in the following sections, Putin's KGB training and mindset would play a crucial role in his political ascent and his approach to governing Russia. The skills he honed as a spy – including information gathering, manipulation, and the ability to operate in the shadows – would become powerful tools in his quest for power and control over Russia's political and economic landscape.
The Rise of the Oligarchs
The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 ushered in a period of dramatic change and upheaval in Russia. As the country transitioned from a centrally planned economy to a market-based system, a small group of savvy and often unscrupulous businessmen seized the opportunity to amass enormous wealth and power. These individuals, who came to be known as the oligarchs, would play a crucial role in shaping Russia's post-Soviet landscape and eventually come into conflict with Vladimir Putin's vision for the country.
Under Boris Yeltsin's presidency, Russia embarked on a series of radical economic reforms aimed at rapidly privatizing state-owned assets and creating a market economy. However, these reforms, often guided by Western advisors, led to a chaotic and uneven transition. The process of privatization, in particular, became a breeding ground for corruption and insider dealing.
One of the most controversial aspects of this period was the "loans-for-shares" scheme, proposed by banker Vladimir Potanin. This program allowed a select group of well-connected businessmen to loan money to the cash-strapped Russian government in exchange for shares in valuable state-owned enterprises. When the government inevitably defaulted on these loans, the businessmen were able to acquire controlling stakes in some of Russia's most lucrative industries at fire-sale prices.
The loans-for-shares privatizations created a class of super-wealthy individuals who suddenly found themselves in control of vast swathes of the Russian economy. For example, Potanin himself acquired a controlling stake in Norilsk Nickel, a company with annual profits of $1.2 billion, for a mere $170 million loan to the government. This type of deal was replicated across various sectors, including oil, gas, and metals, concentrating enormous wealth and power in the hands of a few individuals.
Among the most prominent oligarchs to emerge during this period were:
Boris Berezovsky: A mathematician turned businessman who acquired interests in oil, media, and the automotive industry. He played a significant role in Yeltsin's re-election campaign in 1996 and was initially a supporter of Putin.
Vladimir Gusinsky: A media mogul who built a vast empire including NTV, Russia's first independent television network.
Mikhail Khodorkovsky: The founder of Yukos, which became Russia's largest oil company. Khodorkovsky would later become a high-profile opponent of Putin's regime.
Roman Abramovich: An oil tycoon who would later play a crucial role in Putin's efforts to extend Russian influence abroad.
These oligarchs not only controlled vast economic resources but also wielded significant political influence. They used their media holdings to shape public opinion and their financial clout to influence government policy. The period of oligarch dominance in the 1990s was characterized by a weak central government, rampant corruption, and a widening gap between a small group of ultra-wealthy individuals and the majority of Russians who were struggling with economic hardship.
However, the rise of the oligarchs also created a power dynamic that would eventually come into conflict with Vladimir Putin's vision for Russia. While the oligarchs saw themselves as independent power brokers, Putin believed in a strong, centralized state that could reassert control over strategic sectors of the economy.
The tension between the oligarchs and Putin's government would become one of the defining features of Russian politics in the early 2000s. As we'll explore in later sections, Putin would systematically work to bring the oligarchs to heel, either by co-opting them into his system or by forcing them into exile or imprisonment.
The legacy of the oligarchs' rise to power in the 1990s continues to shape Russia today. The perception that a small group of well-connected individuals had unfairly benefited from the privatization of state assets fueled public resentment and cynicism toward market reforms and Western-style democracy. This sentiment would later be exploited by Putin to justify his consolidation of power and the state's reassertion of control over key economic sectors.
Moreover, the methods used by the oligarchs to acquire and maintain their wealth – including offshore financial schemes, complex ownership structures, and the blurring of lines between business and politics – would become hallmarks of the system that Putin and his allies would later perfect.
Understanding the rise of the oligarchs is crucial to comprehending the context in which Putin came to power and the challenges he faced in reshaping Russia's political and economic landscape. It also helps explain why many Russians were initially supportive of Putin's efforts to rein in the oligarchs, seeing it as a necessary step to restore order and fairness to a system that had spiraled out of control during the tumultuous 1990s.
Putin's Rise to Power
Vladimir Putin's ascent to the presidency of Russia was remarkably swift and, to many observers, unexpected. However, as Catherine Belton reveals in "Putin's People," this rapid rise was not a matter of chance but rather the result of careful planning and positioning by Putin and his allies within the former KGB.
Putin's political career began in St. Petersburg (then Leningrad) in the early 1990s. After returning from his KGB posting in Dresden, Putin joined the administration of Anatoly Sobchak, the city's first democratically elected mayor. Sobchak, a charismatic law professor and advocate for democratic reforms, became Putin's political mentor. However, their relationship was more complex than it appeared on the surface.
While Sobchak publicly spoke out against the KGB and in favor of democracy, Belton suggests that he may have had unofficial dealings with the organization. Putin, leveraging his KGB background, acted as a liaison between Sobchak and the intelligence community. This position allowed Putin to begin building the network of contacts and influence that would later prove crucial to his political career.
During his time in the St. Petersburg administration, Putin was involved in various schemes that allowed former KGB agents to maintain control over significant portions of the city's economy. One of the most notable was the creation of a slush fund, or obschak, which was used to funnel cash to the KGB for personal use and strategic operations. Putin's committee issued export licenses worth $95 million to front companies, ostensibly to bring food imports into the struggling city. However, most of this food never arrived, with the money instead disappearing into the obschak.
Putin and his KGB associates also took control of key economic assets in St. Petersburg, including the seaport and oil terminal. These takeovers often involved collaboration with organized crime groups, blurring the lines between state power, intelligence services, and criminal enterprises – a pattern that would become increasingly common under Putin's later rule.
After Sobchak lost his re-election bid in 1996, Putin's career took a dramatic turn. Within a month of resigning from the St. Petersburg administration, he was invited to Moscow and offered a position in the Kremlin. This rapid promotion suggests that Putin had already caught the eye of powerful figures in the capital, likely due to his effectiveness in managing KGB interests in St. Petersburg.
Once in Moscow, Putin's rise through the ranks of the federal government was meteoric. He quickly moved from heading the Kremlin's foreign property department to becoming the head of the FSB (the successor agency to the KGB) in just over two years. This swift ascent culminated in his appointment as Prime Minister by President Boris Yeltsin in August 1999.
Belton argues that Putin's rapid promotions were not coincidental but rather the result of careful maneuvering by former KGB generals. These power brokers were looking for someone who could protect their interests and project strength on television. Putin, with his KGB background and carefully cultivated image of competence and toughness, fit the bill perfectly.
The final step in Putin's rise to power came in the wake of a series of apartment bombings that rocked Russia in September 1999. These attacks, blamed on Chechen terrorists, created a climate of fear and uncertainty in the country. Putin, as Prime Minister, took charge of the response, launching a military campaign in Chechnya and presenting himself as a strong, decisive leader.
The bombings and Putin's response to them played a crucial role in cementing his public image and popularity. However, questions remain about the true nature of these attacks. Some, including Belton, suggest that they may have been orchestrated by the FSB to create a pretext for the war in Chechnya and to boost Putin's profile. While definitive proof of this theory remains elusive, the timing and consequences of the bombings certainly worked in Putin's favor.
By the end of 1999, with his popularity soaring due to his handling of the Chechen crisis, Putin was well-positioned to succeed Yeltsin as president. On December 31, 1999, Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned, naming Putin as acting president. This move allowed Putin to enter the 2000 presidential election as the incumbent, giving him a significant advantage over his opponents.
Putin's rise to power thus represents a complex interplay of KGB networks, political maneuvering, and carefully managed public perceptions. His ascent was not merely the result of being in the right place at the right time, but rather the culmination of years of behind-the-scenes work by Putin and his allies to position him as the ideal candidate to lead Russia into the 21st century.
The speed and apparent ease with which Putin rose to the presidency belied the carefully orchestrated nature of his ascent. It also foreshadowed the way in which he would govern Russia – through a combination of strategic alliances, control of key economic assets, manipulation of public opinion, and the projection of strength and decisiveness in times of crisis.
Consolidating Power
Once in office, Vladimir Putin moved swiftly to consolidate his power and reshape Russia's political and economic landscape. His approach involved a multi-pronged strategy that included bringing the media under state control, reining in the oligarchs, and centralizing power within the Kremlin. This process of consolidation would transform Russia from the chaotic, quasi-democratic state of the 1990s into an increasingly authoritarian system dominated by Putin and his allies.
One of Putin's first targets was the independent media, which had flourished in the relatively free atmosphere of the 1990s. The case of Boris Berezovsky and his ORT television channel is particularly illustrative of Putin's approach. Berezovsky, once a supporter of Putin, had used ORT to criticize the president's handling of the Kursk submarine disaster. In response, Putin ordered an investigation into Berezovsky for alleged embezzlement, eventually forcing him to flee Russia and relinquish control of ORT to the state.
This pattern was repeated with other media outlets. Vladimir Gusinsky, owner of the independent NTV network, was also forced into exile after his channel criticized Putin's policies. The government used a combination of legal pressure, financial investigations, and outright intimidation to bring formerly independent media under state control or to silence critical voices.
With the media largely under his control, Putin turned his attention to the oligarchs who had amassed enormous wealth and influence during the Yeltsin era. His approach to the oligarchs was summed up in a now-famous meeting he held with leading businessmen shortly after becoming president. Putin offered them a deal: they could keep their wealth if they stayed out of politics and supported his agenda. Those who refused faced the prospect of criminal investigations, exile, or worse.
The most high-profile case of Putin's crackdown on the oligarchs was that of Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the owner of Yukos oil company and once Russia's richest man. Khodorkovsky had openly criticized government corruption and funded opposition political parties. In 2003, he was arrested on charges of tax evasion and fraud. His subsequent trial and imprisonment sent a clear message to other oligarchs about the consequences of challenging Putin's authority.
The Yukos affair also served another purpose for Putin: it allowed the state to reassert control over Russia's strategic oil and gas sector. Yukos was broken up, with its main production unit sold to the state-owned Rosneft at a fraction of its market value. This move was part of a broader strategy to bring Russia's key economic assets back under state control, reversing many of the privatizations of the 1990s.
Putin also moved to centralize political power within the Kremlin. He abolished direct elections for regional governors, instead appointing them himself. The upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, was reformed to reduce its independence. And the electoral system was changed to make it more difficult for opposition parties to gain representation in the Duma, the lower house of parliament.
These changes were often justified as necessary measures to restore order and stability after the chaos of the 1990s. Putin portrayed himself as the defender of Russian interests against both internal threats (oligarchs and "fifth columnists") and external ones (Western interference and terrorism). This narrative resonated with many Russians who had suffered during the economic turmoil that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Putin's consolidation of power was not limited to domestic affairs. He also sought to reassert Russia's influence on the international stage. This included taking a more confrontational stance towards the West, particularly on issues like NATO expansion and Western criticism of Russia's human rights record. Putin framed these actions as defending Russia's national interests and restoring its rightful place as a great power.
The creation of a vast slush fund, or obschak, was another key element in Putin's consolidation of power. This fund, built through various schemes involving state-owned companies and offshore entities, served multiple purposes. It provided a source of personal enrichment for Putin and his inner circle, allowed for the funding of covert operations both at home and abroad, and created a system of financial leverage over key individuals and institutions.
One example of how this system worked was the transfer of shares in the insurance company Sogaz from the state-controlled Gazprom to companies connected to Bank Rossiya, an institution closely linked to Putin's allies. This move transformed Bank Rossiya into a major financial powerhouse that could be used to further the Kremlin's interests.
The obschak was also used to fund lavish personal projects for Putin and his associates, such as the construction of enormous mansions and luxury compounds. More importantly, it provided a means of extending Russian influence abroad, funding everything from NGOs promoting Russian culture and values to political operations in neighboring countries like Ukraine.
Putin's consolidation of power was a gradual but relentless process that transformed Russia's political and economic landscape. By bringing the media under state control, subduing the oligarchs, centralizing political authority, and creating a vast network of financial resources outside official state structures, Putin was able to build a system of personalized rule that has endured for over two decades.
This system, often described as "managed democracy" or "competitive authoritarianism," maintains the outward trappings of democratic institutions while ensuring that real power remains firmly in the hands of Putin and his allies. It has proven remarkably resilient, allowing Putin to weather economic crises, international sanctions, and domestic challenges to his rule.
However, the concentration of power in Putin's hands has come at a significant cost to Russia's democratic development, civil society, and long-term economic prospects. The lack of genuine political competition, independent media, and rule of law has stifled innovation, encouraged corruption, and led to a brain drain as many talented Russians have chosen to leave the country.
Understanding how Putin consolidated his power is crucial to comprehending modern Russia and its relationship with the rest of the world. It explains why Putin has been able to maintain his grip on power for so long, and why efforts to promote democratic change in Russia have faced such significant obstacles.
Expanding Russian Influence Abroad
As Vladimir Putin consolidated his power within Russia, he also began to focus on expanding Russian influence beyond its borders. This effort took many forms, from military interventions in neighboring countries to more subtle forms of interference in Western democracies. Putin's goal was to reassert Russia's status as a global power and to challenge what he saw as Western dominance in international affairs.
One of the key arenas for this expansion of influence was the former Soviet space, particularly Ukraine. Russia viewed Ukraine as a crucial buffer against NATO expansion and was determined to keep it within its sphere of influence. The 2004 Orange Revolution in Ukraine, which brought a pro-Western government to power, was seen as a major setback for Russian interests.
In response, Putin and his allies employed a range of tactics to maintain influence in Ukraine. These included using Russia's control over gas supplies as leverage, funding pro-Russian political parties and media outlets, and cultivating close relationships with Ukrainian oligarchs. The case of RosUkrEnergo, a gas trading company that served as a middleman between Russia and Ukraine, illustrates how these tactics worked. The company, linked to Putin ally Dmitry Firtash, was granted a monopoly on gas supplies to Ukraine, allowing it to make enormous profits while also serving as a tool for Russian influence.
The culmination of Russia's efforts to control Ukraine came in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of conflict in eastern Ukraine. These actions, while leading to international condemnation and sanctions, were seen by Putin as necessary to protect Russian interests and prevent Ukraine from moving closer to the West.
Beyond the former Soviet space, Putin sought to extend Russian influence into Western Europe and the United States. This effort involved a combination of financial, cultural, and political tactics.
In the financial sphere, Russia used London as a key hub for moving money and extending its influence. Russian companies began listing their shares on the London Stock Exchange, bringing a flood of cash into the city. Oligarchs like Roman Abramovich, who purchased Chelsea Football Club at Putin's behest, became high-profile figures in British society. This influx of Russian money created a web of financial relationships that made it difficult for the UK to take a hard line against Russian interests.
Culturally, Russia established a network of organizations aimed at promoting Russian language, culture, and worldview abroad. These included official bodies like the Russkiy Mir Foundation, as well as more covert operations funding everything from Orthodox Christian charities to paramilitary youth camps. The goal was to create a positive image of Russia and to cultivate sympathetic groups within Western societies.
Politically, Russia began to support anti-establishment and populist movements across Europe and the United States. This support took various forms, from providing funding to far-right and far-left parties to using social media and disinformation campaigns to influence public opinion. The aim was to sow discord within Western societies, weaken traditional alliances like NATO and the EU, and create a more favorable environment for Russian interests.
One of the most high-profile examples of Russian interference was the alleged meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. While the full extent of this interference remains a matter of debate, it's clear that Russian-linked entities engaged in a coordinated campaign of social media manipulation and hacking aimed at influencing the election outcome.
Russia's efforts to expand its influence abroad have had mixed results. On one hand, Putin has succeeded in reasserting Russia as a major player on the global stage, capable of challenging Western interests in various parts of the world. The annexation of Crimea, while internationally condemned, was popular domestically and demonstrated Russia's willingness to use military force to protect what it sees as its vital interests.
On the other hand, these actions have led to increased international isolation for Russia, including economic sanctions that have had a significant impact on the Russian economy. Russia's interventions in Ukraine and Syria, while achieving some tactical goals, have also been costly in terms of both resources and international reputation.
Moreover, Western countries have become increasingly aware of and resistant to Russian influence operations. This has led to greater scrutiny of Russian-linked financial transactions, efforts to counter disinformation, and increased support for countries like Ukraine that are seeking to resist Russian pressure.
Despite these challenges, Putin appears committed to continuing his efforts to expand Russian influence abroad. This strategy is driven by a combination of geopolitical ambition, a desire to protect what Russia sees as its legitimate spheres of influence, and a need to maintain domestic support by projecting an image of Russia as a strong and respected global power.
Understanding Russia's efforts to expand its influence is crucial for comprehending current global dynamics. It explains many of the tensions between Russia and the West, the ongoing conflicts in places like Ukraine and Syria, and the challenges facing Western democracies as they grapple with issues like disinformation and foreign interference in domestic politics.
As we move forward, the question of how to engage with Russia while also protecting against its more disruptive influences remains one of the key challenges facing Western policymakers. Finding a balance between deterrence and dialogue, between protecting national interests and avoiding a new Cold War, will be crucial for maintaining global stability in the years to come.
The Trump Connection
One of the most controversial aspects of Russia's efforts to expand its influence abroad has been its alleged involvement in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and its connections to Donald Trump. While the full extent of these connections remains a matter of debate and ongoing investigation, Catherine Belton's "Putin's People" provides valuable insights into the long-standing relationships between Trump and Russian businessmen with ties to the Kremlin.
Trump's connections to Russia date back to the 1990s, long before he entered politics. One of his earliest Russian contacts was Shalva Tchigirinsky, an antiques smuggler with rumored ties to organized crime. Tchigirinsky met Trump at the Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City and was impressed by its opulence. This encounter was just the beginning of Trump's dealings with Russian-linked businessmen.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Trump developed relationships with several Russian emigrant businessmen who frequented his properties. One significant connection was with Felix Sater and his partner Tevfik Arif. Sater, who had a criminal past and connections to Russian organized crime, worked with Trump on several real estate projects. They offered to finance and build luxury developments for Trump in exchange for using these projects as vehicles to move money into the United States.
These relationships took on new significance when Trump began his bid for the presidency in 2015. During the campaign, Sater worked with Trump's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, on plans for a potential Trump Tower in Moscow. In emails to Cohen, Sater boasted about his ability to get Putin involved in the project and help get Trump elected.
The Trump campaign's connections to Russia came under intense scrutiny during and after the 2016 election. One notable incident was a meeting at Trump Tower in June 2016 between Donald Trump Jr., other campaign officials, and a Russian lawyer who allegedly offered damaging information on Hillary Clinton. While the meeting itself did not produce the promised information, it raised questions about the campaign's willingness to accept help from Russian sources.
The release of hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee and Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta, by WikiLeaks in the months leading up to the election further fueled suspicions of Russian interference. U.S. intelligence agencies later concluded that these hacks were part of a Russian operation aimed at influencing the election outcome.
Trump's victory in the 2016 election was celebrated in the Russian parliament, with members applauding when the news was announced. While there's no evidence that Russia directly manipulated vote counts, the influence campaign appears to have been aimed at sowing discord, undermining faith in democratic institutions, and potentially tipping the balance in a close election.
Once in office, Trump's approach to Russia raised further questions. He consistently expressed admiration for Putin, questioned the value of NATO, and initially resisted implementing sanctions on Russia that had been approved by Congress. These actions aligned closely with long-standing Russian foreign policy goals.
However, it's important to note that the relationship between Trump and Russia was complex and not always harmonious. The Trump administration did take some actions that went against Russian interests, including providing lethal aid to Ukraine and launching missile strikes against Russian ally Syria.
The investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and potential collusion with the Trump campaign, led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, dominated much of Trump's presidency. While the investigation did not find evidence of a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia, it did document numerous contacts between campaign officials and Russian-linked individuals.
The Trump-Russia connection highlighted several key aspects of Putin's strategy for expanding Russian influence:
Long-term relationship building: The connections between Trump and Russian businessmen stretched back decades before he entered politics, demonstrating the value of cultivating relationships with influential figures in the West.
Use of informal networks: Many of the connections between Trump and Russia were through unofficial channels, often involving businessmen with ties to both organized crime and the Russian state.
Exploitation of financial relationships: Trump's business dealings with Russian-linked individuals created potential leverage that could be exploited for political purposes.
Information warfare: The use of hacked emails and social media disinformation campaigns during the 2016 election demonstrated Russia's sophisticated capabilities in this area.
Opportunism: While there's no evidence of a grand plan to install Trump as president, Russia appears to have seized opportunities to influence the election and exploit Trump's pro-Russia stance once he was in office.
The Trump-Russia saga also revealed vulnerabilities in the U.S. political system to foreign influence, particularly through opaque financial dealings and the exploitation of social media platforms. It led to increased scrutiny of foreign involvement in U.S. politics and efforts to strengthen defenses against foreign interference in elections.
While the full impact of Russia's involvement in the 2016 election and its connections to the Trump administration may not be known for years, it's clear that this episode marked a significant escalation in Russia's efforts to influence Western democracies. It demonstrated both the sophistication of Russia's influence operations and the challenges facing democratic societies in countering these efforts.
Moving forward, the Trump-Russia connection serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for foreign interference in democratic processes and the importance of transparency in both politics and business dealings. It underscores the need for robust measures to protect the integrity of elections and to ensure that foreign interests cannot unduly influence domestic politics.
Final Thoughts
Catherine Belton's "Putin's People" provides a comprehensive and deeply researched account of how Vladimir Putin and his network of former KGB agents have reshaped Russia's political and economic landscape over the past two decades. The book offers several key insights that are crucial for understanding modern Russia and its relationship with the rest of the world.
First, it reveals the extent to which Putin's rise to power and his subsequent rule have been shaped by his KGB background and the networks he built during his time in the intelligence services. Far from being an "accidental president," Putin's ascent was carefully orchestrated by a group of former KGB officers who saw in him the ideal candidate to protect their interests and restore Russia's global standing.
Second, the book illuminates the complex interplay between politics, business, and organized crime in Putin's Russia. The lines between these spheres have become increasingly blurred, with the state using quasi-legal and illegal methods to assert control over key economic assets and to enrich Putin's inner circle. This system of crony capitalism has allowed Putin to consolidate his power domestically while also providing resources for projecting Russian influence abroad.
Third, Belton's work exposes the sophisticated methods used by Putin's regime to extend its influence beyond Russia's borders. From financial schemes in London to political interference in the United States, the Kremlin has employed a wide range of tactics to undermine Western institutions and promote Russian interests. These efforts have had significant impacts on global politics, contributing to increased tensions between Russia and the West and posing new challenges for democratic societies.
Fourth, the book highlights the resilience of Putin's system of rule. Despite facing economic sanctions, international isolation, and domestic challenges, Putin has managed to maintain his grip on power for over two decades. This longevity is due in part to the effectiveness of the system he has built, which combines elements of authoritarianism with the outward trappings of democracy.
However, "Putin's People" also reveals the long-term costs of this system for Russia and its people. The concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a small elite has stifled economic innovation, encouraged corruption, and led to a brain drain as talented Russians seek opportunities abroad. Moreover, the regime's reliance on confrontation with the West as a source of domestic legitimacy has left Russia increasingly isolated on the global stage.
Looking to the future, the insights provided by Belton's book raise several important questions:
How sustainable is Putin's system of rule in the long term, particularly as Russia faces economic challenges and a changing global energy landscape?
What are the implications of Russia's influence operations for Western democracies, and how can these societies better protect themselves against foreign interference?
Is there a path for improving relations between Russia and the West, or are we headed for a prolonged period of confrontation?
What will be the legacy of Putin's rule for Russia's political and economic development, and how might the country evolve in a post-Putin era?
In conclusion, "Putin's People" offers a sobering assessment of the challenges posed by Putin's Russia to both its own citizens and the international community. It underscores the need for a clear-eyed understanding of the nature of Putin's regime and the tactics it employs to maintain power and extend its influence. At the same time, it highlights the complexities of engaging with Russia in a way that protects Western interests while also leaving room for dialogue and potential cooperation on issues of mutual concern.
As we navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, the insights provided by Belton's work will remain invaluable for policymakers, scholars, and anyone seeking to understand the dynamics shaping our world. The story of Putin's Russia serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of history, the importance of robust democratic institutions, and the ongoing challenges facing those who seek to build a more stable and just international order.