Books & Looks Podcast: What I Saw Inside the Kremlin — CNN Journalist Jill Dougherty on Putin & Russia

Books & Looks: Real Books for Real Readers was started as a literary podcast to supplement Blaine Desantis’ website, ViewsOnBooks.com, and expand into audio and video interviews with authors.

With Books & Looks, Blaine’s goal is to focus on real books that real people will read. At least half of the books he reviews are either new authors or unknown authors that many in the general public are unaware of. After a segment reviewing books or interviewing authors, Blaine ends each episode with a discussion of the movies and TV shows he is currently watching.

Learn more about BookTrib’s partner and Blaine at ViewsOnBooks.com.

This Week’s Episode

Unlock the secrets of the Kremlin and understand Vladimir Putin through the eyes of someone who was there: Jill Dougherty, a seasoned journalist with 30 years at CNN, including eight years as Moscow bureau chief. Blaine DeSantis on Books and Looks sits down with Jill to go inside the Kremlin and discuss her book, “My Russia: What I Saw Inside the Kremlin”.

Jill Dougherty didn’t just parachute in; her connection to Russia began in high school. She covered Gorbachev, Yeltsin, and has covered Vladimir Putin**ince he was prime minister in 1999. Witnessing his transformation from a disciplined bureaucrat to a consequential leader. She offers unique insights, possessing access almost no one else had.

In this fascinating conversation, Jill shares:

• The story of the time Vladimir Putin kissed her and her analysis of the possible reasons behind it.
• How she overcame personal challenges like mic fright during her extensive career.
• The meaning behind the old Soviet phrase, “there’s no news in the truth and no truth in the news”.
• Common misconceptions about Putin and the true nature of the “power vertical” structure in Russia.
• The gradual shift towards authoritarianism and when key crackdowns on media and political life began under Putin.
• A comparison of the operations in Crimea (2014) vs. the full-scale Ukraine invasion (2022).
• Putin’s use of “Russkiy Mir” (Russian world) and “traditional values” propaganda to justify actions and depict the West negatively.
• Experiences covering the brutal Chechen wars and the horrific Beslan school attack.
• Her perspective on the current state of the Ukraine war, negotiations, and the potential future landscape, emphasizing the need for a long-term approach.
• Future plans to explore the transformation of life in Russia’s western border neighborhood.

This interview draws directly from Jill Dougherty’s firsthand experience and deep knowledge of Russia. It offers crucial context for understanding the current conflict and the man who reshaped Russia.

To learn more about these pivotal moments and get Jill’s full account, read My Russia: What I Saw Inside the Kremlin.

Find the book wherever books are sold.