Mr. Putin Quotes

“For Russia, the early 1900s and the 1990s represent more than just the century's bookends. They also are twin periods of transition in Russian history. Both decades were marked by defeat in war, imperial and economic collapse, and attempts at dramatic reform. Both were infused with nostalgia for a past.”
― Clifford G. Gaddy, Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin

“three pillars of the Russian state: the Orthodox Christian religion and the institution of the Russian Orthodox Church; the tsarist regime in the person of the tsar, the autocrat; and the Russian nation loyal to the tsar.”
― Clifford G. Gaddy, Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin

“Putin himself has asserted in biographical interviews that one of his main skills is to get people—in this case the Russian people, his audience(s)—to see him as what they want him to be, not what he really is.”
― Clifford G. Gaddy, Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin

“In short, there are always uncertainties. Nothing is preordained and nothing can be ruled out. Things always go wrong. There will be unexpected events and operational setbacks.53 Being prepared is key. You need contingency plans. You have to diversify and maximize your positions, and keep all options open. You must not do anything irrevocable—make a decision or take actions that put yourself in a position you cannot get out of later.”
― Clifford G. Gaddy, Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin

“Putin learned from reading the William King and David Cleland textbook in the 1980s and 1990s, planning for uncertainty is the most important element of strategy.”
― Clifford G. Gaddy, Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin