Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin

Today Crimea. Tomorrow? Many Putin watchers believe that being able to anticipate the enigmatic Russian president's next move—whether it's hosting another grandiose spectacle, crushing a political rival, or annexing part of a neigh-boring country—depends on uncovering the "real" Vladimir Putin and his true motives. In this updated edition of their acclaimed study, Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin, Russia experts Fiona Hill and Clifford Gaddy argue that Putin is in fact a man of many complex identities. Drawing on a range of sources, including their own personal encounters, they describe six personas that are most essential: the Statist, the History Man, the Survivalist, the Outsider, the Free Marketeer, and the Case Officer. Understanding Putin's multiple dimensions is crucial for policymakers trying to decide how best to deal with Russia. This expanded edition includes new information on Putin's recent domestic policies and a thorough analysis of the goals and methods of Putin's foreign policy in a new chapter, "Mr. Putin: The Operative Abroad."

Praise for the first edition

If you want to begin to understand Russia today, read this book. —Sir John Scarlett, former chief of the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6)

For anyone wishing to understand Russia's evolution since the breakup of the Soviet Union and its trajectory since then, the book you hold in your hand is an essential guide.—John McLaughlin, former deputy director of U.S. Central Intelligence

Of the many biographies of Vladimir Putin that have appeared in recent years, this one is the most useful. — Foreign Affairs This is not just another Putin biography. It is a psychological portrait. — The Financial Times

Considering how busy you are, do you have time to read books? If so, which ones would you recommend? "... My goodness, let's see. There's Mr. Putin, by Fiona Hill and Clifford Gaddy. Insightful." —Vice President Joseph Biden in Joe Biden: The Rolling Stone Interview.