Independent Thinking: Can Vladimir Putin survive?

Episode 33 of our weekly podcast explores the Russian president’s weakening grip on power, two weeks on from the Wagner Group mutiny.

Audio Updated 16 October 2023 30 minute listen

Two weeks on from the mutiny by Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Wagner Group, there has been a flurry of activity by President Putin to reassert his authority in Moscow.

However, Russian history is replete with leaders who appear unassailable, right up until the point they’re not. The panel discusses whether Putin’s grip is weakening and how Western governments might react if he falls.

The show also looks ahead to the NATO summit in Vilnius next week. With Turkey showing no signs of budging on Sweden’s membership, Ukraine unlikely to be offered membership, and infighting over the appointment of a new secretary general, can the alliance rally next week?

Joining Bronwen Maddox on the podcast this week is Tobias Ellwood MP, chair of the UK Parliament’s Defence Select Committee; Polina Ivanova, a foreign correspondent for the Financial Times covering Russia, Ukraine, and Central Asia; and Mark Temnycky, a Ukrainian journalist and associate fellow with the Atlantic Council.

About Independent Thinking

Independent Thinking is a weekly international affairs podcast hosted by our director Bronwen Maddox, in conversation with leading policymakers, journalists, and Chatham House experts providing insight on the latest international issues.

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