Insightful and worrying!

A powerful insight, very believable and equally disturbing.
Would highly recommend to anyone with an interest in geopolitics and a curiosity for the truth.

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A truly frightening insight into current events

Even if only 50% correct the insights in this book are both frightening and depressing. The logic and professional journalism allow one to “follow the money” leading to revelations of self interest and despotism common to Putin, Trump and iris Johnstone.

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Exceptional

Chilling account of Putin's mafia state and his attempts to destabilise democracy around the world.

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A must read

Quite simply a must read for anyone still wondering HOW western democracy ended up with Trump in the White House and Boris and Brexit Britain.

Sadly as depicted by Harding, we live in a world of endless lies, told by powerful minorities in search for greater influence and self enrichment. What was evident by the war mongers of the past is evident by the misinformation of the present. Information and collusions designed to obfuscate and distract away from venal acts such as Russian breaches into former western democratic strongholds.

What is troubling is the lack of accountability, courage and will required for justice and/or judicial scrutiny surrounding such obvious and factually supported shadowy deeds.

Equally troublesome is the ease in which such venal political manipulation, lawlessness and actions can be executed. This is due in part to not fit for purpose governments in place and or the outdated and in effective legislations, standards and practices. Today we witness the rise of disaster capitalism and as the ‘shocks’ keep coming so do the detrimental effects on western citizens, their futures and their children’s futures.

However I remain fully confident of a public awakening and push for change. Change to a new society whereby the events witnessed today will lessons learned in future. Soon the Putins, Trumps and Johnson’s of the world will be things of the past. Greed will consume them and judicial reviews and public outcry will be their downfall. As ever lie told incurs a debt to the truth and sooner or later that debt will be paid. In the writing of Harding’s ‘shadow state’ the foundation for change can be built.

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6 people found this helpful

Putin's infiltration of the West's political right

Well researched and evidenced hold of Putin over Trump and Johnson's adoration of Russian power and the Conservative's willingness to turn a blind eye to Russian interference to stay in government. Some may say it is traitorous of the Tories and top level Republicans. Certainly anti-democratic.

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Interesting read ruined by author’s bias

Very interesting read and well researched. It sets out a terrifying reality of political interference by Russia in the Western world.
The only issue is the author’s repeated subtle bias. Clearly Mr Harding doesn’t like Boris Johnson, Trump or other right leaning politicians. There are numerous examples of personal digs at them. This undermines the credibility of the book, as it can be argued it fits an agenda.
Overall an interesting read and food for thought.

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A good read

Interesting read. Most of it in the public domain already but usefully put together. I enjoyed it but slightly put off by the narrator's conspiratorial tone as if whispering secrets into one's ear in a Russian accent. Didn't detract though from an overall good read. Would recommend.

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Great Book

Really interesting subject matter. Really enjoyable. The evolution of the story is good. The author clearly has a significant understanding of his subject.

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An eye opener

Shocking reality of how democracy can be manipulated even in countries considered 'champions of the free world'.

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Interesting analysis

Initially, I couldn't take the narrator's overly dramatic, whispery delivery seriously and the varying pronunciations of Mueller were a little annoying. Overall, the information being presented and the analysis of recent history is interesting enough to overlook the faults and the narrator does handle accents really well.

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