
How Close Was Wagner Group To Actually Toppling Putin?
05/13/25 • 36 min
In this podcast, I was joined by Candace Rondeaux to discuss her new book, Putin's Sledgehammer, on the rise and fall of Russia’s Wagner Group, particularly the aftermath of its 2023 mutiny. Candace explores the historical origins of the Wagner Group, its ties to Russia's mafia, and its key role in Russia's global operations.
She delves into the evolution of the group under Prigozhin, highlighting its use in proxy wars and mercenary operations in Africa, Ukraine, and Syria. We also cover the power struggles between Putin and Prigozhin leading to the group's collapse and an examination of Wagner’s lingering influence on global security.
Candace Rondeaux is the Senior Director of Future Frontiers at New America. Check out her book, Putin's Sledgehammer here: https://amzn.to/4me0FMB
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In this podcast, I was joined by Candace Rondeaux to discuss her new book, Putin's Sledgehammer, on the rise and fall of Russia’s Wagner Group, particularly the aftermath of its 2023 mutiny. Candace explores the historical origins of the Wagner Group, its ties to Russia's mafia, and its key role in Russia's global operations.
She delves into the evolution of the group under Prigozhin, highlighting its use in proxy wars and mercenary operations in Africa, Ukraine, and Syria. We also cover the power struggles between Putin and Prigozhin leading to the group's collapse and an examination of Wagner’s lingering influence on global security.
Candace Rondeaux is the Senior Director of Future Frontiers at New America. Check out her book, Putin's Sledgehammer here: https://amzn.to/4me0FMB
Subscribe to Substack
Read as well as listen as l overthink for you: https://substack.com/@pyotrskurzin
Follow The Show
- X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PKurzin
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg/
Support The Show
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theglobalgambit
- Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theglobalgambit
Leave a quick rating—it's free, easy, and honestly, the least you can do after I've blessed your ears with such wisdom. Where would you be without me?
Ready to gain fresh, unique insights into global issues? Want to connect with experts and community of engaged listeners? Support The Global Gambit (GG) today and access EXCLUSIVE content and perks. Join us in making sense of the complex forces shaping our world in enlightening, entertaining talks! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-global-gambit.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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As Trump Destroys The US-Led Order, Has BRICS Time Finally Come?
In this conversation, Pyotr Kurzin and Mihaela Pappa discuss the evolving role of BRICS in the context of global politics, particularly in relation to US foreign policy under the Trump administration. They explore the implications of BRICS as a symbol of a multipolar world, its initiatives in development and health, and the challenges it faces in terms of internal dynamics and divergence among member countries. The discussion also touches on the potential for BRICS to influence global currency dynamics and its positioning in addressing universal challenges like climate change and sustainable development.
Subscribe to Substack
Read as well as listen as l overthink for you: https://substack.com/@pyotrskurzin
Follow The Show
- X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PKurzin
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg/
Support The Show
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theglobalgambit
- Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theglobalgambit
Leave a quick rating—it's free, easy, and honestly, the least you can do after I've blessed your ears with such wisdom. Where would you be without me?
Ready to gain fresh, unique insights into global issues? Want to connect with experts and community of engaged listeners? Support The Global Gambit (GG) today and access EXCLUSIVE content and perks. Join us in making sense of the complex forces shaping our world in enlightening, entertaining talks! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-global-gambit.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode

How Close Were India & Pakistan to Nuclear War Really?
In this episode l am rejoined by Ankit Panda as we delve into the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly focusing on the recent military clashes and the implications of their nuclear doctrines.
Ankit provides insights into the current crisis, comparing it to past conflicts and discussing the role of the United States in de-escalation efforts. The conversation also touches on the influence of domestic politics, the evolving military capabilities of both nations, and the potential impact of China's military developments on the region.
Ankit Panda is Stanton Senior Fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Watch our talk on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P3xwmHg9g7I. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theglobalgambit
Subscribe to Substack
Read as well as listen as l overthink for you: https://substack.com/@pyotrskurzin
Follow The Show
- X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PKurzin
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg/
Support The Show
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theglobalgambit
- Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theglobalgambit
Leave a quick rating—it's free, easy, and honestly, the least you can do after I've blessed your ears with such wisdom. Where would you be without me?
Ready to gain fresh, unique insights into global issues? Want to connect with experts and community of engaged listeners? Support The Global Gambit (GG) today and access EXCLUSIVE content and perks. Join us in making sense of the complex forces shaping our world in enlightening, entertaining talks! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-global-gambit.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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