Abstract
IntroductionThe key part of my submission for this PhD by Publication is two books: All the Kremlin's Men: Inside the Court of Vladimir Putin1 and War and Punishment: The Story of Russian Oppression and Ukrainian Resistance2. The former was originally published in Russian in 2015 and was translated into twelve languages. The English edition of All the Kremlin's Men was published in New York by PublicAffairs in 2016. The latter book was published in 2023 by Weidenfeld & Nicolson in the UK and by Simon & Schuster in the USA.
All the Kremlin's Men is an account of Vladimir Putin's regime from 1999 to 2015 which explores various dimensions of Russia's internal politics. It is a group portrait of the entourage influencing Putin based on dozens of interviews with members of his inner circle.
Based on my own research and close observation of the Russian political elite for the past 15 years and a large number of personal interviews, the book presents an in-depth exploration of the power dynamics and personal relationships that have shaped Russia under Putin's leadership. All the Kremlin's Men delves into key themes, including the evolution of Putin's career from a relatively unknown KGB officer to one of the world's most influential leaders, the intricate web of alliances and rivalries within the Kremlin, and the impact of Putin's governance on both domestic politics and international relations. The book examines how Putin's inner circle—comprising political elites, oligarchs, and advisors—has influenced decision-making processes and policy directions. It highlights the blend of loyalty, manipulation, and power play that characterises Putin's Russia.
The book is structured both thematically and chronologically, with parts dedicated to distinct phases of Putin's rule until 2015. The structure of the All the Kremlin's Men consisting of four parts corresponds to that conceptual division. Each chapter focuses on a specific episode or figure, illustrating how Putin's approach to governance has evolved over time. The book chronicles the significant events that have defined Putin's tenure and raises critical questions about the nature of power, the role of individual agency in authoritarian systems, and the future trajectory of Russia both domestically and on the world stage. Its narrative intertwines political developments with the personal stories of those within Putin's orbit.
The methodology employs a combination of comprehensive interviews, first-hand observations, and a thorough review of available documentary sources. The resulting account offers readers an insider's view of the Kremlin's workings, going beyond the public persona of Putin and his associates. It sheds light on the personal ambitions, ideological convictions, and strategic calculations that drive the Kremlin's actions by engaging directly with key figures within and around Putin's administration.
The second book, War and Punishment, is devoted to the history of Russian oppression of Ukraine. It is organised around the key historical myths about Ukraine that still thrive in the official Russian discourse. The central questions that my research sought to answer are the following: How did these myths emerge? Why were they so persistent, pervasive and destructive? How did they impact the course of events that are developing in front of us now?
| Date of Award | 8 Oct 2024 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Tom Sykes (Supervisor) & Stephen Harper (Supervisor) |