The Rise and Fall of Putinism and the Stakes of a Global War

The Stakes of a Global War is a compelling collection of editorial articles spanning over two decades, from 1999 to 2025, by one of the bravest and most insightful commentators writing on Russia today, Andrei Piontkovsky. This powerful work dissects the rise of "Putinism" and its profound impact on Russia and the world stage.

Piontkovsky, a Russian scientist and political writer, offers a sharp, polemical analysis of Vladimir Putin's presidency, tracing Russia's shift from a nascent "New Russia" to an aggressive, authoritarian state. From early warnings about totalitarian tendencies to stark predictions of war, the book chronicles events like the Chechen conflict, the annexation of Crimea, and the escalating tensions leading to a global crisis. With a keen eye for political maneuvering and societal shifts, Piontkovsky's writings delve into the Kremlin's strategies, the manipulation of public opinion, and the West's complex relationship with Russia. The Stakes of a Global War also examines the 2024 US presidential election and its implications for international relations, alongside the ongoing war in Ukraine. Featuring a preface by Kremlin critic Leonid Nevzlin, this book provides a critical perspective on contemporary history, offering insights into the forces shaping our world and the high stakes of global conflict. Piontkovsky's work is both a historical record and a prophetic warning, challenging readers to confront the realities of power and the fragility of peace.

Andrei Piontkovsky (born in 1940) is a Russian scientist, political writer and analyst, and a member of PEN International. He has been a regular political commentator for the BBC World Service and Radio Liberty as an outspoken critic of Vladimir Putin. In 2016, He fled from Russia under threat of arrest and received political asylum in the USA. Dr. Piontkovsky is also a popular videoblogger and the author of several books on the Putin presidency, including Another Look Into Putin’s Soul and Russian Identity.

Dr. Piontkovsky’s writing has been compared to that of the late Charles Krauthammer—it is incisive, analytically rigorous, witty, and imbued with an authoritative moral clarity.

Piontkovsky holds a doctorate in mathematics from Moscow State University and is a member of the American Mathematical Society.

Jason Galie is a Russian language analyst with the State Department. He taught Russian to English translation for ten years at the Defense Language Institute and various levels of the Russian language at Columbia University, Middlebury College, The George Washington University, and American University. He lives in Washington, DC.