Russian Roulette

Latest Episodes:

Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan on the Russia-West Prisoner Exchange, Russian Hybrid Warfare, and the Russian Émigré Community Today Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

This week, Maria sat down with investigative journalists Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan. Andrei and Irina gave their analysis of the recent high-profile Russia-West prisoner swap, and also discussed the threat of Russian hybrid attacks on Western countries. Additionally, they described the complex relationship between the Russian state and the Russian community in emigration, and outlined how the Kremlin views Russian émigrés as both a threat, and a potential source of intelligence opportunities.

Ukrainian Resistance in the Occupied Territories with Jade McGlynn Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

Max and Maria sat down with Jade McGlynn to discuss her recent report for CSIS, "Crossing Thresholds: Ukrainian Resistance to Russian Occupation."

"Crossing Thresholds: Ukrainian Resistance to Russian Occupation," by Jade McGlynn on CSIS.org.

"The Ukrainian resistance is torching Putin's dreams of conquest," by Jade McGlynn for The Telegraph.

Dmitri Alperovitch and "World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century" Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

On this week's episode, Max and Michael Kimmage sat down with Dmitri Alperovitch, chairman of Silverado Policy Institute, to discuss Dmitri's recent book, "World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century." Recorded on July 2, 2024, the conversation covers the geopolitical parallels between the European and Indo-Pacific theaters today, and what the dual strategic challenges emanating from Moscow and Beijing mean for Western policymakers.

SHOW NOTES: Check out a new CSIS report from Max Bergmann and Christopher B. Johnstone, "Europe's Security Role in the Indo-Pacific: Making It Meaningful."

A Sanctions Update with Eddie Fishman and Sergey Aleksashenko Jun 27, 2024

Show notes

Maria recently sat down with sanctions expert Eddie Fishman and economist Sergey Aleksashenko to provide a timely update on the evolving sanctions regime leveled against Russia. (Recorded on June 18, 2024.)

Understanding the Growing Collaboration Between Russia and Iran Jun 14, 2024

Show notes

This week, Max sat down for a public conversation with Hanna Notte and Jon B. Alterman to discuss how the governments of Russia and Iran have strengthened their political, economic, and security collaboration since the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The Recent Anti-Corruption Purge and New Leadership at the Russian Ministry of Defense with Mikhail Zygar and Christopher Davis May 31, 2024

Show notes

Maria sat down with Russian independent journalist and author Mikhail Zygar, and University of Oxford professor Christopher Davis, to discuss the recent string of anti-corruption charges at the Russian Ministry of Defense, and the replacement of Sergei Shoigu with Andrei Belousov at the ministry’s head. What does all this mean for the current composition of the Russian elite, and what impact will these changes have on the Russian war effort in Ukraine?

Please check out Mikhail Zygar's Substack, "The Last Pioneer."

"Collisions: The Origins of the War in Ukraine and the New Global Instability," the latest book by Michael Kimmage May 16, 2024

Show notes

On May 2, 2024, Maria sat down with Michael Kimmage and Mary Elise Sarotte to discuss Michael's newest book, "Collisions the Origins of the War in Ukraine, and the New Global Instability."

"Collisions" is available for purchase from Oxford University Press.

The Ongoing Protests in Georgia and What Is at Stake with Tinatin Japaridze and Eto Buziashvili May 14, 2024

Show notes

For today's special bonus episode, Max sat down with Tinatin Japaridze and Eto Buziashvili to discuss the ongoing protests taking place in Georgia. Georgian civil society is mobilizing yet again in opposition to the controversial "foreign agents" law being pushed by the ruling Georgian Dream party.

Back in Stock? The Latest Report on the Russian Defense Industry from CSIS May 03, 2024

Show notes

Today, Max and Maria were joined by Tina Dolbaia and Nick Fenton, two members of the team at CSIS, to discuss the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia program's latest report, "Back in Stock? The State of Russia's Defense Industry after Two Years of the War."

A New Investigative Report on the "Havana Syndrome" Phenomenon with Roman Dobrokhotov Apr 18, 2024

Show notes

On this week's episode, Max and Maria sat down with Roman Dobrokhotov, the founder and editor-in-chief of the Russia-focused investigative media outlet, The Insider. Roman's team, along with colleagues at CBS's 60 Minutes and the German outlet Der Spiegel, recently concluded an investigation that uncovered evidence potentially linking Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU, with the health incidents impacting U.S. government officials and their families that have come to be known as "Havana Syndrome."

Show Notes: "Unraveling Havana Syndrome: New evidence links the GRU's assassination Unit 29155 to mysterious attacks on U.S. officials and their families" by Roman Dobrokhotov, Christo Grozev, and Michael Weiss (The Insider)

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