Is Vladimir Putin the most powerful man in the world? How much control does he actually have over Russia’s bureaucracy? And is there a grand strategic vision underpinning his foreign adventurism? In this week’s podcast interview, WPR associate editor Elliot Waldman discusses these questions with Mark Galeotti.

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Relevant Articles on WPR:

Popular Discontent Is Rising in Russia, and Putin Doesn’t Have an Answer

Mueller’s Done. Now Can the U.S. Figure Out How to Deal With Russia?

At a Mostly Symbolic Summit, Putin and Kim Play the Long Game

Russian Bombers in Venezuela Raise Cold War 2.0 Fears Across Latin America

Trend Lines is produced and edited by Peter Dörrie, a freelance journalist and analyst focusing on security and resource politics in Africa. You can follow him on Twitter at @peterdoerrie.

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