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Downfall

Putin, Prigozhin, and the fight for the future of Russia

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

In the early years of Vladmir Putin’s Russia, Yevgeny Prigozhin emerged as one of the President’s most trusted assets. By 2023, he had become a dangerous warlord – and also one of Putin’s chief rivals in Russia’s tumultuous political climate, exiled after leading an attempted coup, and shortly after killed in a mysterious plane crash.

But what is the truth about this enigmatic figure, his role in the war with Ukraine, and the chaos unleashed across Russia by his turn against Putin? And, in the aftermath of his death, what is next for Russia in the new stage of late Putinism that Prigozhin’s life forged?

In a compelling tale that unravels a complex web of power, betrayal and recrimination, Downfall delves into the profound impact of Prigozhin on the heart and soul of a nation at a crossroads. Drawing on years of research, this book traces the rise of Russia's most prominent non-state actor and examines the political climate that propelled a convicted gangster with no government office to the formidable role he came to occupy. An essential story of Russia's recent history, Downfall is also a compelling insight into its likely future.

©2024 Anna Arutunyan & Mark Galeotti (P)2024 Penguin Audio

 21st Century Modern Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Russian & Soviet World Russia War

Critic reviews

[Mark Galeotti and Anna Arutunyan] have penned not only a deeply interesting biography of Prigozhin, but also a penetrating account of Russia under Putin. Downfall is as much a biography of a system as a biography of a man.
A year after the failed uprising of Yevgeny Prigozhin and the mercenaries of the Wagner Company against the regime led by President Vladimir Putin, a book written by two of the greatest experts on Russia makes the biography of this character as violent as it is complex.
All stars
Most relevant
Mark Galeotti is my go to for unbiased comprehensive overview of Russian politics, and this book is on par with his excellent podcast In Moscow’s Shadows

Perfectly timed release, fascinating listen

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This is an excellent overview of Prigozhin and Wagner. It is not an academicy book. It is helpful to get a general idea about Prigozhin. And Galeotti’s interpretations are as apt as ever.

Excellent summary

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The best audiobook I have listened to all year factual but presented in a way that makes it easy to take on board the points and the nuances. It’s nice to have something that feels that I’m being led through a story rather than marched through it with a megaphone in my ear.
Anyone interested in Ukraine or modern? Russia must listen to this book.

Outstanding

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Brilliantly written and researched. The author has a pleasant reading voice. I recommend his other works and podcast.

Excellent listen.

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Interesting insights into the heart of the Russian political system, accessibly written, fascinating and well told.

Great book

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