Putin's People Book Summary - Putin's People Book explained in key points
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Putin's People summary

Catherine Belton

How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took On the West

4.3 (397 ratings)
37 mins

Brief summary

Putin's People by Catherine Belton is an insightful exploration of Putin's rise to power, detailing how the Russian leader and his circle of close allies amassed wealth and consolidated control over the country's economy and political landscape.

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    Putin's People
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    Before entering politics, Vladimir Putin was a member of the KGB.

    From childhood, Vladimir Putin dreamed of joining the KGB, the Soviet Union’s secret police force. He was eager to follow in his father’s footsteps – so eager, in fact, that he called up the local Leningrad KGB office and asked to join before he’d even graduated school.

    Throughout his education, Putin was careful to enroll in exactly the programs and classes which the KGB office directed him toward. He followed their orders with the utmost precision. All the while, he vented his aggression by practicing judo.

    As a newly minted member of the KGB, Putin arrived in Dresden, East Germany, in 1985. It was there that he first encountered secret missions, smuggling, and assassinations.

    The key message here is: Before entering politics, Vladimir Putin was a member of the KGB.

    When Vladimir Putin arrived in Dresden, the city was known as little more than an East German backwater. In total, there were just six KGB officers posted there. Meanwhile, East Germany itself was on the verge of bankruptcy, and the ruling Communist Party was in danger of collapse.

    Sensing these issues, the KGB launched a secret mission called Operation Luch. Its goal was to build up a network of agents to join political circles. That way, the KGB’s presence in Germany would survive, even if the country was reunified.

    Much of Putin’s role in this operation remains a mystery. But what we do know is that Putin eventually became the main KGB liaison officer with the Stasi, the East German secret police. He even had his own Stasi identification card. That gave him access to Stasi buildings and made it easier for him to recruit agents for Operation Luch.

    Terrorism was also a major part of the mission. In particular, the secret police were deeply involved with the Red Army Faction, a Marxist group in West Germany that helped to protect KGB interests. On one occasion, the chairman of the major financial institution Deutsche Bank was driving to work when a grenade in his car was detonated, killing him instantly. It’s possible that the blast was triggered by a Red Army Faction member, and we know that this group learned precise military detonation techniques at training camps connected to the Stasi. With the chairman’s death, Deutsche Bank was weakened, and a Stasi-affiliated bank had an opportunity to gain strength.

    These secret operations with the KGB and the Stasi were just the start of Putin’s long rise to power.

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    What is Putin's People about?

    Putin’s People (2020) is a shocking account of the corruption and political schemes that swirl around Russia’s infamous president, Vladimir Putin, and his close inner circle. The KGB is well-known as the former Soviet Union’s secret police force – but that was far from its only role in the Soviet government and economy. This is the story of how the KGB lost its power, gained it back, and has been exploiting it ever since.

    Putin's People Review

    Putin's People (2020) is an eye-opening account of the rise of Vladimir Putin and his inner circle. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It provides insightful and revealing details about the individuals who wield power in Russia and their influence on global affairs.
    • The book uncovers hidden connections and corruption, exposing the web of wealth and power that surrounds Putin's regime.
    • Drawing from extensive research and interviews, it presents a comprehensive and compelling narrative that sheds light on the complex dynamics of the Putin era.

    Best quote from Putin's People

    [Religion] was conveniently designed to make serfs out of Russians again… so that Putin the tsar could rule with absolute power.

    —Catherine Belton
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    Who should read Putin's People?

    • Fans of political intrigue and international relations
    • Students of Russian history and culture
    • Anyone curious about the inner workings of Vladimir Putin’s regime

    About the Author

    Catherine Belton is an investigative journalist who currently works as a special correspondent for Reuters. Formerly, she served the Financial Times as its Moscow correspondent and then its legal correspondent. She was shortlisted for Business Journalist of the Year at the British Press Awards in 2008.

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    Putin's People FAQs 

    What is the main message of Putin's People?

    Putin's People exposes the web of corruption and power in Putin's Russia.

    How long does it take to read Putin's People?

    Reading time for Putin's People varies, but the Blinkist summary takes just 15 minutes.

    Is Putin's People a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Putin's People is a fascinating and eye-opening book that is definitely worth reading.

    Who is the author of Putin's People?

    Catherine Belton is the author of Putin's People.

    What to read after Putin's People?

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