The New Tsar

The Rise and Reign of Vladimir Putin

By: Steven Lee Myers

Narrated by: René Ruiz

“A riveting, immensely detailed biography of Putin that explains in full-bodied, almost Shakespearian fashion why he acts the way he does.” –Robert D. Kaplan
 
The New Tsar is the book to read if you want to understand how Vladimir Putin sees the world and why he has become one of the gravest threats to American security.

The epic tale of the rise to power of Russia's current president—the only complete biography in English – that fully captures his emergence from shrouded obscurity and deprivation to become one of the most consequential and complicated leaders in modern history, by the former New York Times Moscow bureau chief.

In a gripping narrative of Putin’s rise to power as Russia’s president, Steven Lee Myers recounts Putin’s origins—from his childhood of abject poverty in Leningrad, to his ascension through the ranks of the KGB, and his eventual consolidation of rule. Along the way, world events familiar to readers, such as September 11th and Russia’s war in Georgia in 2008, as well as the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, are presented from never-before-seen perspectives. 

This book is a grand, staggering achievement and a breathtaking look at one man’s rule. On one hand, Putin’s many reforms—from tax cuts to an expansion of property rights—have helped reshape the potential of millions of Russians whose only experience of democracy had been crime, poverty, and instability after the fall of the Soviet Union. On the other hand, Putin has ushered in a new authoritarianism, unyielding in his brutal repression of revolts and squashing of dissent. Still, he retains widespread support from the Russian public.

The New Tsar is a narrative tour de force, deeply researched, and utterly necessary for anyone fascinated by the formidable and ambitious Vladimir Putin, but also for those interested in the world and what a newly assertive Russia might mean for the future. 

superb

excellent book. great voice. the first book i will re-listen to. i hope the author continues withe the topic and has a part 2.

May be best Putin bio to date, but ...

I liked it; didn't love it. However, it serves a very useful purpose.

Putin seems to get a lot of do-overs from politicians and the press. But all evidence shows he's bad to the bone and should be dealt with accordingly.

This book does a great job of presenting a balanced view of the man; his metamorphosis from not a bad guy to a really bad guy. It's actually surprising to learn how high he has risen from his unremarkable KGB career and upbringing.

We should all read up on this man, so we can hold our own politicians accountable for enabling him and deferring action to contain him. This book is a deep dive for those willing to invest the time.

The creation of Putinism

Who is Vladimir Putin and how did he rise to power, absolute power? He has been incredibly consistent and positions/actions he takes today are incredibly predictable. He is a master of his own fate and has linked it to the resurgence and strength of Russia. It is an epic modern tale of Machiavellian leader acting defiantly against the Western version of world order.

Interesting Profile

Intertwined facts some might not have immediately grouped together in this particular way. Where has democracy gone in Russia? Did it ever exist? In seeing years of dictatorial rule one realizes a single person holds all power over what was thought to have become a free nation. You are free until you cross Mr. Putin. Then, you disappear.

Well Done. Ready for Part II

Complete and easy-to-follow review of Putin and the politics surrounding the man, Russia and world powers.
Lots has happened with Putin since this release and I hope there is a Part II.