Mark Galeotti: Why Russia Is Finally Starting to Crack - And Kremlin Is Running Out of Options

Mark Galeotti: Why Russia Is Finally Starting to Crack - And Kremlin Is Running Out of Options

Author: Decoding Geopolitics June 27, 2026 Duration: 32:15

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This is a conversation with Mark Galeotti, director of Mayak intelligence and one of the greatest living experts on modern Russia - and we talk about why, after years of remarkable stability, a lot of things in Russia are now beginning to crack. 


We get into what’s behind the sharpest fall in Putin's approval since 2022, why is there an increasing public criticism of the war and debate over whether it’s time for it to end or why the Kremlin's attempt to seize control of the internet triggered the biggest popular backlash of the entire war - and what's left holding the system together now that the old social contract between Putin and the Russian people is gone.


It can feel like the world is moving too fast, with headlines about conflict, shifting alliances, and economic tensions arriving in a constant, confusing stream. Decoding Geopolitics Podcast with Dominik Presl steps into that noise, offering a space for clarity through substantive conversation. Hosted by Dominik Presl, this series engages directly with scholars, analysts, and practitioners who study the forces shaping our international landscape. Each episode is built on a simple premise: to move beyond surface-level news cycles and explore the deeper historical roots, strategic calculations, and security dilemmas driving global events. You’ll hear discussions that unpack complex topics-from regional flashpoints and diplomatic maneuvers to the evolving nature of power and defense-without resorting to sensationalism. The goal isn’t to predict the future, but to provide the contextual understanding needed to interpret the present more thoughtfully. This podcast functions as a curated dialogue, translating expert insight into accessible analysis for anyone feeling adrift in the currents of contemporary politics. By focusing on sustained conversation rather than quick takes, it builds a foundation for listeners to develop their own informed perspectives on a world that often feels dangerously opaque.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Decoding Geopolitics Podcast with Dominik Presl
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➡️ Watch the full interview ad-free, join a community of geopolitics enthusiasts and gain access to exclusive content on PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingGeopolitics➡️ Sign up to my free geopolitics newsletter: h…
#107 John Foreman: Russia’s Military Is Not What You Think [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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➡️ Watch the full interview ad-free, join a community of geopolitics enthusiasts and gain access to exclusive content on PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingGeopolitics➡️ Sign up to my free geopolitics newsletter: h…
#106 Max Bergmann: Something Finally Broke Between the U.S. and Europe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:04
➡️ Watch the full interview ad-free, join a community of geopolitics enthusiasts and gain access to exclusive content on PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingGeopolitics➡️ Sign up to my free geopolitics newsletter: h…