User Reviews

By far one of the most detailed documentary on the earlier reigning years of Putin from the late 90s to 2011. Recommended watch if you want to understand the current situation in Ukraine 2022 as of April 13. There are striking parallels between then and now.

If you want to know how Russia's international relations played out during Vladimir Putin's first decade or so in power, 'Putin, Russia and the West' is the place to find out: interviews with senior people from all sides (not Putin personally, but almost everybody else who matters) give what seem to be basically honest accounts. What you don't get is a sense of broader context - the real meaning of the west's "pro-democracy" agenda is not really questioned, and we learn of Putin essentially ordering the murder of his enemies without really getting much insight into whatever passes for his soul. In short, what we see is diplomacy as related by the diplomats: intriguing, but you need to form your moral worldview elsewhere. A follow-up, covering the last six years, would seem overdue.

I am amazed at the number of 1 votes for this excellent program. Maybe not enough "hotties" in it? Or people who thought it might be another reality program?

This program is not entertainment but extremely informative (and nevertheless entertaining) for those of us who care about the world we live in and what is going on in it that might affect us. I might well have skipped it myself in favour of Borgen or some such light entertainment but I am glad I didn't. The number of highly placed officials who give their views is extraordinary; apart from the presidents themselves it seems everyone close to them was interviewed and gave their thoughts on each other's actions and plans. No doubt their comments were given in a self-justificatory spirit as some slight inconsistencies showed but it was still remarkably candid. I learned a lot I feel, about that rather enigmatic neighbour of Europe's, Russia, and was left feeling more sympathetic towards all the countries and their politicians mentioned.

I have seen this described as Western propaganda but I have to say I found myself sympathising more and more with the Russians who find themselves trying to convert an almost 19th century feudal system into a 21st century capitalist democracy.

But is little strange don't show bad thinks happen is Russia?