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30 April 2022updated 10 May 2022 11:02am

Stalin and Putin: a tale of two dictators – Audio Long Reads

What does Vladimir Putin owe his Soviet predecessor?

By Simon Sebag Montefiore and Adrian Bradley

In this audio long read, the historian Simon Sebag Montefiore reflects on the parallels between the two Russian leaders, from their formative years to their ultimate reckoning in the history books. 

Putin keeps half of Stalin’s library in his office, annotated by the former dictator, and has embraced the Soviet cult of ruling through fear and control. By invading Ukraine, he has made a colossal gamble on securing his own legacy.

Written by Simon Sebag Montefiore and read by Adrian Bradley.

Read the text version here. It was first published on the New Statesman website on 9 March 2022, and in the magazine on 11 March 2022.

Podcast listeners can subscribe to the New Statesman for just £1 a week for 12 weeks using our special offer. Just visit newstatesman.com/podcastoffer.

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2. On the New Statesman website

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