Luke Harding: Mafia State

Luke Harding, former Russia correspondent for the Guardian and author of the book ‘Mafia State’, gave an engaging, entertaining yet troubling overview of his time working in Putin’s Russia and the intimidation tactics used by the state in an attempt to get him to leave. Forty-five minutes seemed barely enough to get anything but glimpses at what he went through and what maybe was lacking was any real analysis of the political situation in Russia. Although the Q&A did elicit some meatier thoughts on Putin’s need for power and why Harding was not optimistic for Russia’s immediate future.

Dome Studio, Brighton Dome, 12 May 2013
Rating:
Simon Plotkin