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Long before he became President of Russia, over a period of almost 18 months in the early 1990s, Vladimir Putin opened up to Andrew Goodman in extensive, private conversations about politics, economics and Russia’s place in the world. Unlike Putin’s numerous biographies – which have uncovered loads of facts about Putin, but very little about what he thinks – Goodman’s direct personal encounters with Putin help reveal what makes Putin tick. This presentation addresses how Putin came to power in St. Petersburg, and later in Moscow, and how he wields power.

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Andrew Goodman is a retired U.S. Senior Foreign Service officer who spent over 30 years specializing in Soviet/Russian affairs. As Deputy Principal Officer at the U.S. Consulate in St. Petersburg (1992–1995), his counterpart in the city government was Vladimir Putin, giving him a unique opportunity to get to know Putin personally. He has published a number of articles about Putin and has taught at Columbia University, the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and Mary Washington University.
The presentation will be live, in person, and begins at 1:00 PM. It can also be viewed on Zoom. The in-person event will be held at Pinnacle Living, 45 Forts Ferry Road, Latham, NY. It is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available starting at 12:30 PM. Please bring your own beverage.
If you wish to attend via Zoom and are not a current member of CDHS, email your request to [CDHS.Albany@gmail.com](mailto:CDHS.Albany@gmail.com) no later than Friday, July 31st.
The Capital District Humanist Society provides a supportive community for exchanging ideas, heightening our knowledge of the world and ourselves, fostering moral and ethical growth, and promoting the principles of non-theistic humanism. CDHS is a member organization for people with humanist values. Our values include commitment to free inquiry, rational thought, life-long education, democracy, social concern, and fellowship.
To learn more about us, please go to www.humanistsociety.net

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