great book, so so narration

this book is a detailed insightful overview of the history development and inner economic workings of Putin's Mafia state. The book is well-written and well-researched. the narration however suffers from the narrator evidently not having taken the time to learn even the basics about pronouncing Russian words and names. Some of them are so badly mispronounced they are difficult to recognize.

3 people found this helpful

Thorough, provocative, and insightful

This book is a tour de force. The author's thorough analysis is excellent, and he offers a detailed, thorough analysis of Russian capitalism, ranging from the issues with intersections between free market forces and the government, and an incredibly insightful analysis of Mr. Putin's financial history and current status. It is well narrated and, overall, very easy to recommend.

1 person found this helpful

Excellent, fresh take on Putin's regime

Anders Aslund is a clarion voice and his knowledge of Russia is very impressive. He clearly explains complex economic and foreign policy concepts and makes them easy to understand and conveys why it all matters, for the population of Russia as well as for the West. I truly admire Aslund 's forming longstanding ties to the Russian opposition movement and his continuing support for Alexei Navalny.