Join the Wilson Center's Kennan Institute for a discussion on the new book, Weak Strongman: The Limits of Power in Putin’s Russia (Princeton University Press, 2021) by Timothy Frye.

In this book, Professor Frye delves into the state-society relationship in Putin’s Russia, drawing upon original social-science research to chart public opinion in Russia. It arrives at some startling conclusions about the limits of power in the system of governance Putin has built, from political economy to foreign policy. This conversation will explore Putin’s weaknesses, and it will place them against the strengths he has and the strengths he is perceived as having.

Speakers:

Timothy Frye, chair, department of political science, Columbia University; co-director, International Center for the Study of Institutions and Development, Higher School of Economics

Michael Kimmage, professor of history, Catholic University of America