Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin

Today Crimea. Tomorrow . . . ? Many Putin watchers believe that being able to anticipate the quixotic Russian president's next move - whether it's hosting another grandiose spectacle, crushing a political rival, or annexing part of a neighboring country - depends on uncovering the "real" Vladimir Putin and his true motives. In this revised and updated edition of their acclaimed study Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin, Russia experts Fiona Hill and Clifford Gaddy argue that Putin is in fact a man of many complex identities. Drawing on a range of sources, including their own personal encounters, they describe six that are most essential: the Statist, the History Man, the Survivalist, the Outsider, the Free Marketeer, and the Case Officer. Understanding Putin's multiple dimensions is crucial for policymakers trying to decide how best to deal with Russia.