Russia is often seen as a country that was led astray by a former KGB officer, Vladimir Putin. Informed by his training and character, it is often implied, he turned himself into an all-powerful ruler and turned Russia into the autocracy it is today. But what if he simply was helpless to do any better and is not in fact all-powerful?

The Kennan Institute's Maxim Trudolyubov discusses constraints on Putin's ability to execute authority with Timothy Frye, whose book, Weak Strongman: The Limits of Power in Putin’s Russia, will be out this month. Timothy Frye is Professor at the Department of Political Science at Columbia University, New York, and a co-Director of the International Center for the Study of Institutions and Development (ICSID) at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow.

Weak Strongman: Discussing the Limits of Putin's Power with Timothy Frye

“The system worked incredibly well yesterday. And I think that is it's so important, because it gives us faith in the result. And it gives us faith in the strength and the endurance of Mexican democracy looking forward.”

Duncan Wood Quote 1

In this episode of International History Declassified, Pieter and Kian sit down with author Alan McPherson to discuss his book, Ghosts of Sheridan Circle, which tells the chilling story of the assassination of Chilean dissident, Orlando Letelier.

The Ghosts of Sheridan Circle with Alan McPherson

Benjamin Gedan and Bill Schuette analyze the recent arrest of former "Super Minister" Julio De Vido. What does this mean for Argentina's corruption fighting efforts?

De Vido Goes Down

There's a pretty important wedding coming up in the United Kingdom, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are about to tie the knot.  Jamie Shenk joins the podcast to chat about Argentina's awkward place in the relationship.

Mate at Kensington Palace

Episode 10: Predictions on All Key Aug. 7 Primary Races for State Offices & an Interview

The Argentina Project Podcast is back for Season 2. Subscribe, listen to past podcasts and refresh the browser in anticipation for new episodes at https://soundcloud.com/the-wilson-center/sets/argentina-project

June 13, 2019

38 – Argentina Project Podcast Season 2 Promo

Kian and Pieter sit down with Bilkent University professor Onur Isci to talk about the Center for Russian Studies and his work in the Turkish Archives. While Turkey and Russia seem to be natural enemies, the documents show that has not always been the case.

Russia and the Cold War in the Turkish Archives with Onur Isci

Tackling global issues through independent research, open dialogue, and actionable ideas.

Weak Strongman: Discussing the Limits of Putin's Power with Timothy Frye

The Wilson Center

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