Putin: His Downfall and Russia's Coming Crash Hardcover – July 18, 2017

This book is essential reading for any real understanding of what elemental forces are at play in 21st century Russia and the dynamic relationship with the US, EU, and China. Lourie gives a Russian history lesson and paints a picture of Putin that gives him full dimensions and texture, and reveals details of history in every chapter that surprised me at every turn. Peppered in each chapter are illuminating details of geography, geology, technology and politics that I have not read anywhere else. Valuable for anyone seeking sophistication on this most relevant and potent factor in current global affairs.

An excellent study of both Putin and the Russia he runs.Good background on Putin's life give insights as to how/why he views NATO, US, and why he has reacted as he has done. A similar analysis is given as to the history of Russia, explaining how Russia's history of invaders from Mongols, Vikings, Poles and Nazis has given it a fearful look at outside powers. The author then goes on to analyze current deficiency in the Russian economy and society.

Putin's rise to power, his control over Russia, and influence over other countries is an eye-opening reading experience. Although I wish all the best for Russia and her people, I look forward to the predicted downfall of Putin mentioned in the subtitle.

An insightful look into the life of an ambitious former spy turned president, and all the paranoia that followed him into office. I was grateful for the Russian history lesson. Mr Lourie captures each time period leading up to Putin's tenure/rein and presents intricate details that shed light on Russia's involvement in present day American politics. Or shall I say,...there are some convincing arguments. Definitely recommend. Read for yourself.

Interesting back story. A balanced mix of facts and conjecture from a respected source.

Understanding and explaining the Russian President today is complicated and deep. Laurie nailed it! A book to read and reread.

“For Putin to have risked transforming Russia from a petrostate into a twenty-first-century diversified economy would have created a hazardous transition in which his own grip on power could have been lost. Power would have had to be delegated and decentralized, endangering Putin’s position at the apex of the ‘power vertical’. His various constituencies from prisoners to power elite must feel secure and must receive their accustomed share of the wealth. Such a system runs on loyalty and corruption. It has been said of Russia that the system is not corrupt but rather corruption is the system. And that is because no one feels a stake in the system, which inspires no sense of solidity, dependability, longevity—it can all be gone in the blink of history’s eye. And Putin’s chance to truly reform his country was also gone in the blink of that same eye.” – page 125What are we to make of Vladimir Putin’s 18-year tenure as the President of Russia? Has Mr. Putin succeeded in energizing the people and taking the nation into the 21st Century? Or has Russia remained much too dependent on the volatile oil and gas markets? And what of Putin’s adventures into Ukraine and Crimea? Are relations with the Chinese better or worse? Has Putin systematically eliminated his harshest critics? What will become of Russia when Putin goes away? Richard Lourie has written extensively about Russia and the Soviet Union and is intimately familiar with these issues. He dissects the Putin years in his fascinating new book “Putin: His Downfall and Russia’s Coming Crash”. As you might ascertain from the title, the author has not been particularly impressed.Lourie believes that over the years Putin has frittered away all too many opportunities to reform the way Moscow does business. He is most especially critical of the way Putin has handled the obsolescent Russian economy which for decades has been much too dependent on the increasingly volatile oil and gas markets. And when his government did choose to invest in new technology it bet on the wrong horse—nanotechnology-- which proved to be a huge bust. Lourie reports that “of the original $5 billion to $7 billion of state money, $40 million had vanished into shell companies, and another $450 million was spent on a silicon chip factory that proved inoperational. All told, something like $1.5 billion had gone down the rabbit hole.” Sounds an awful lot like the Solyndra debacle to me. Indeed, corruption, inertia and ineptitude were alive and well during Putin’s administration. The author also points out that Putin has managed to accumulate considerable wealth during his tenure as President of Russia and explains how this happened. Putin participated in massive fraud with oligarchs who were willing to play ball with him resulting in an enormous theft of resources from the Russian economy. The fact of the matter is that Putin is now counted among the richest men in the world. Meanwhile, it is the Russian people who are left to deal with the devastating consequences of economic sanctions imposed by the United States and other nations for Putin's misbehavior.At the end of the day Richard Lourie worries about the future of Russia and life after Putin. He believes that economic trends and geopolitical realities place the future fortunes of this nation into serious question. Whoever succeeds Putin will face enormous if not insurmountable challenges. I found “Putin: His Downfall and Russia’s Coming Crash to be a well-written, meticulously researched and thought-provoking book. Recommended reading.

Good review, but didn't have much to say about "His Downfall and Russia's Coming Crash," as advertised.

History of Russia with a bit added about Putin. I was expecting 90% of the book to be about Putin.

A very good book

Genuine endeavour in demystfying mysterious Putin and functioning of Russian society/economy. This book answered lot of questions about not just Putin but also Russia that I always held.From recent history to birth and breakup of Soviet Union and it's relevance in Putin coming to/holding power, this book has done a thorough job in shedding light l, as well as predicting future of Russia, which remains uncertain.Highly recommended for Russian enthusiast's!

Fabulous book! Not a word wasted but insightful and historically informed.

Captivant.