Putin's People by Catherine Belton

How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took on the West

Putin’s People: How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took on the West by Catherine Belton was a captivating and eye-opening read for me. It took me deep into the inner workings of Vladimir Putin’s rise to power and how a network of former KGB officers, oligarchs, and political insiders systematically reshaped Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union. Belton reveals how these same players have extended their influence far beyond Russia’s borders, impacting the West in ways that often go unnoticed.

The book is full of fascinating stories about how Putin and his allies navigated the chaotic post-Soviet years, gaining control over the economy, media, and political system. What really stood out to me was how Belton traces Putin’s use of state power to enrich his inner circle, maintain control, and challenge Western democracies, making me see modern Russia through a whole new lens.

What made Putin’s People so compelling for me was how it combined investigative reporting with a deep understanding of modern political dynamics. I learned a lot about the role of the KGB in shaping not only Putin’s mindset but also Russia’s broader strategies on the world stage. Belton’s modern take on Russian politics, combined with real-life accounts from insiders, made me realize just how intricately power and corruption are linked in the country.

I enjoyed reading it because it wasn’t just about Putin as a person—it was about the entire system he helped create and how it operates both within Russia and globally. Belton’s writing kept me hooked, and I walked away with a clearer understanding of how Russia’s political and economic elite operate in ways that affect all of us, especially when it comes to international relations and security. Overall, it was an incredibly insightful and thought-provoking read that gave me a deeper look into the hidden power structures behind Putin’s Russia.