Putin's Kleptocracy

Putin's Kleptocracy examines Vladimir Putin's rise to power through his early career in Saint Petersburg during the 1990s. The book traces the transformation of Russia's political and economic systems under Putin's leadership, backed by extensive research and documentation. Karen Dawisha reveals the networks of power that emerged as Putin consolidated control, showing how a select group of associates from his early career became central figures in Russia's government and economy. The text maps the concentration of wealth among a small number of individuals and details the mechanisms through which this consolidation occurred. The book analyzes Putin's systematic approach to restructuring Russia's political framework, challenging previous academic interpretations of Russia's trajectory. Through hundreds of documented sources, it presents evidence about the deliberate creation of an authoritarian system disguised as a democracy. The work represents a significant contribution to understanding modern Russia's power structures and the intersection of state authority with personal wealth accumulation. It raises fundamental questions about the nature of power, governance, and economic control in post-Soviet Russia.

Readers describe this as a detailed investigation into Putin's rise to power through KGB connections and organized crime networks. Many note the extensive research and documentation, with one Amazon reviewer calling it "a masterclass in following the money." Readers appreciated: - 800+ footnotes and primary source citations - Clear links between specific corruption cases and power structures - Thorough background on 1990s St. Petersburg politics Common criticisms: - Dense writing style with many Russian names/details to track - Some repetition between chapters - Limited coverage of post-2008 events Ratings: Goodreads: 4.06/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (500+ ratings) Several academics and Russia experts praised the research but noted it can be overwhelming for general readers. As one Goodreads reviewer stated: "Important information but requires dedication to get through all the technical details and interconnected relationships."

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All the Kremlin's Men by Mikhail Zygar The book reveals the inner workings of Putin's government through accounts of his closest advisers, oligarchs, and power brokers.

From Cold War to Hot Peace by Michael McFaul This first-hand account from a former US ambassador to Russia documents the deterioration of US-Russia relations and the emergence of Putin's authoritarian system.

Red Notice by Bill Browder The account follows an American financier's experience with Russian corruption, state violence, and the death of his Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.

The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin by Masha Gessen The investigation connects Putin's KGB past to his presidency while documenting the systematic dismantling of Russia's democratic institutions.

★ Following publication in 2014, several major UK publishers declined to print "Putin's Kleptocracy" due to concerns over potential libel lawsuits, highlighting the challenges of publishing investigative works about powerful figures. ★ Karen Dawisha spent more than 30 years studying Soviet and Russian politics as a professor at Miami University in Ohio and collected over 1 million words of notes while researching this book. ★ The book reveals that Putin's network began forming during his time in the KGB and St. Petersburg's city government, where he was involved in schemes that diverted millions in city resources through a food-for-oil program. ★ Through painstaking research, Dawisha traced how 100% of Putin's inner circle from the 1990s went on to become millionaires or billionaires during his presidency. ★ The author died in 2018, but her work has gained renewed attention and validation following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and subsequent investigations into Russian oligarchs' wealth.