Mark Galeotti, "Putin's Wars: From Chechnya to Ukraine" (Bloomsbury, 2022)

This podcast episode explores the origins and consequences of Putin's aggressive foreign policy, focusing on the wars in Chechnya, Georgia, and Ukraine. It highlights how these conflicts shaped Putin's leadership style, his vision of Russia as a great power, and his belief in a sphere of influence. The episode also discusses Russia's military modernization efforts in response to the Georgia conflict, the annexation of Crimea, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. It delves into the challenges facing Putin's regime in Russia, including declining popularity, strain on the economy, and discontent among the elite. The episode concludes with discussions on Putin's future and the lessons that can be learned from his wars.