Operatives in the Kremlin (Policy Series)

1. Suggested Book: "Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin" by Fiona Hill.
Several months ago, we read and discussed the 2nd book of Fiona Hill, Intelligence Agent and witness at Impeachment 1.0, "There's Nothing For You Here". Now, let's go back to her 1st one, which covers Putin's early training with the KGB up through Russia's grab for Crimea. A memorable opinion: Putin is not always the same; he changes his strategy as conditions change.
(Note: Dr Hill was named Chancellor of Durham University a few days ago. This is the county where she grew up (NE England.)

2. Video: "Russia, Ukraine, and the Outcome of the War", interview with Dr. Fiona Hill. YouTube synopsis of the book. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb_spyqwVXY

3. Very interesting new Atlantic article: "Vladimir Putin and the Parable of the "Cornered Rat". https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2023/08/putin-russia-ukraine-war-cornered-rat-story/674890/

4. Another suggested book: "Overreach, The Inside Story of Putin's War against Ukraine" by Owen Matthews. Very detailed view of who, where, and why -- Putin, Zelensky, and scores of nomenklatura and oligarchs, leading up to 2023.

5. Article: "Eastern Promises", Who Lost Russia?", by Keith Gessen. New Yorker, June 19, 2023

Below are some starter questions for "Mr. Putin".
Who were the leaders of Russia before and after the Soviet Union dissolved?
Putin is a self-educated Russian historian. What are his role models; why?
How did the leaders’ home life, education. and job experience influence their ideas / actions?
How did American policy play out during this time period? Was it helpful, hurtful, neutral? To whom? What could have been done differently?
How does the American assessment of Putin as a "cornered rat" play out in policy?
From the Kremlin’s point of view, what is the justification for invading Ukraine?