The New Tsar: The Rise and Reign of Vladimir Putin Hardcover – 24 Sept. 2015

I have read this book immediately after reading "The Putin Interviews" (which is transcript of Oliver's Stone documentary) and I think these two books complement each other perfectly.While "Putin Interviews" is enlightening about Mr. Putin's views on foreign politics but seems much less open on Russia's internal affairs this book ("The New Tsar") is its opposite. It presents (in my view) fairly objective and truthful (as far as the truth can be obtained from publicly available sources) view on what was happening in Russia since 1991 but shows (again, in my opinion) some definite bias when talks about Russia's interaction with, using Putin's favorite expression, "western partners".The part about Putin's family history is breathtaking and this book is worth reading just for this section alone. At the very least it shows how extremely tough life in USSR was during and after WWII for ordinary people.The information in the book is mostly from publicly available sources, however, as author clearly process a great amount of it, the picture I have got is considerably broader that I myself perceived while living day to day during that period.Author points to (often quite rightly) the flaws and limitations of Putin's character and way of thinking. However, when comparing with other western leaders I suspect that many of them share similar character flaws -- results are different mostly because they were brought up and currently act in different political context.Where bias is clearly shown is (in my view) in author's description of events in Ukraine. For example, author tells us that Mr. Yanukovich, after signing an agreement with opposition, suddenly got scared and left the country without a real reason. No mentioning of opposition's militant factions rejecting the signed agreement and storming the government buildings. By the way, in "Putin Interviews" Mr. Putin claimed that Mr. Yanukovich did not run away, but just left the capital for the conference in Donetsk -- even more ridiculous claim.Also, although (in my view) reasonably accurately describing the Odessa's tragedy (clashes between anti- and pro-Maidan activists, the latter, as more numerous, forced their opponents into the building, it caught fire and some in pro-Maidan crowd were preventing people in the building from escaping, more then 40 casualties as a result), author does not mention the aftermath of the events. Namely, those allegedly responsible for the death of people, were apprehended by police but then later released by the mob and never faced any charges.Nevertheless, in general, in my opinion, author tried to remain objective through the book and material presented allows reader to reach his/her own conclusion, not necessarily coinciding with author's view. I think, this is a sign of a really good journalism.So, to summarize -- I definitely recommend this book, if you want to learn about Putin and post-Soviet Russia. I also suggest you to read/watch "Putin Interview" by Oliver Stone.

Really useful coverage of the last few decades of Russian history for someone wishing to catch up a bit. A good read and at times quite scary in terms of the implications. One minor comment said that the author says that in the 1970's the KGB was at war with no-one but itself. He may want to check on what they were up to in South Africa, Angola, etc. There is a useful report by the US Senate on the the Role of the Soviet Union and its surrogates (East Germany, Cuba) on fomenting terrorism in Southern Africa then. The number of T54 and T55 tanks and the occasional Mig lying rusting in the Angolan bush from the 1980's might also give him some hints (they did not suddenly appear out of the blue). There are some that argue that the robust defense put up against Soviet and East German led troops and Cuban generals and troops by South Africans and Namibians (many of whom were not professional soldiers but doing their national service) helped convince Gorbachev that the time had come for the Soviet Union to change and hastened the fall of the Berlin Wall. SWAPO / Plan comrades falsely imprisoned tortured and tortured by their comrades that ended up wearing only worn out Russian blue shorts and shorts in the Lubango pits might also suggest that the KGB was playing a role in the region (Oiva Angula).But overall a really useful and readable book - at least for a non-expert like myself I suppose.

Strong, well-informed and fulsome insight into Putin’s world and mind, and to the mayhem and fear he set out to create. Needs updated due to events of course, but a good read. Be aware that the tiny titchy wee font in the paperback can strain the eyes.

Some things never change. Histories of Russia are invariably disturbing. This fascinating, informed and thought-provoking commentary on the political ascent of Vladimir Putin is no exception. I could not put this book down ! Our author presents us with someone in Putin who displays an incredible personal diligence in his consecutive roles as President and Prime Minister. Here is someone who 'does his homework' meticulously, considers issues 'case by case', then acts decisively. With continuity in leadership over many years, he demonstrates a kind of omnipresence and gathers up ultimate executive power in Russian society. Putin aims to transform his into a resurgent Russia with formidable military and economic potential as its base.He unites a formerly confused nation around himself and gives it a new 'raison d'etre' - and as with all great leaders.. his own. Predictibly, one by one, potential 'renegade' elements which might threaten his supremacy are ruthlessly marginalised, and freedom of speech curtailed. Special licence is only accorded to the corrupt new 'oligarchy of wealth' under sternest condition of fealty. Rivalry will not be tolerated. And in all of this, the greatest number of Russians love to have it so; reverting to national type, content to abdicate responsibility and be ruled in that same firm autocratic tradition as generations before them. It is sadly clear that the West failed to rise to post Soviet opportunities to develop a new international order with Russia. No easy matter maybe, but Russians felt their interests were ignored or ridden roughshod over. Reactions to events in their turn generated hostile reactions on both sides. With time, Putin would become cynical, confirmed in his former KGB hostility to everything the West stood for. Belated efforts to 'reset' relations would founder on the old distrust. Today, we find ourselves effectively in the midst of a new cold war. It may even be that Mr Putin does hold on to power until 2024. Doubtless he will face the same forces of the contingent and the unforeseen as before, but also increasingly the unpredictible returns on his own mind-set in a changing world, and indeed perhaps on 'hubris' itself.