Today on Coffee & Conflict, Joshua Huminski speaks with Mark Galeotti and Anna Aruntunyan about their new book Downfall: Prigozhin, Putin, and the New Future of Russia. They examine the rise and fall of Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner Group, his failed coup against Putin, and his mysterious death in a plane crash. Through in-depth research, they explore Prigozhin's criminal past, his role in the war in Ukraine, and the political chaos under Putin, offering insight into Russia's uncertain future post-Prigozhin.

How do figures like Yevgeny Prigozhin and other "mini-garchs" maintain influence in Putin’s regime, and what does their rise and fall reveal about Russia's stability? How has Russia’s reliance on private actors like the Wagner Group shaped its domestic policies and global actions? How does the Western belief that Russia only responds to strength interact with the fragility of its autocratic system, potentially fueling increased paranoia and aggression?

You can learn more about Downfall: Prigozhin, Putin, and the New Future of Russia, and purchase a copy of the book, here: https://www.amazon.com/Downfall-Prigozhin-Putin-future-Russia/dp/1529927366

Check out today’s experts on Twitter:

@joshuachuminski from @CSPC_DC

@MarkGaleotti from @UCLSSEES, @RUSI_org, and @IIR_Prague

@scrawnya from @TheWilsonCenter, @kennaninstitute

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Today on Coffee & Conflict, Joshua Huminski is joined by Major General Mick Ryan (Ret’d) AM, Senior Fellow at the Lowy Institute, to discuss his new book, The War for Ukraine: Strategy and Adaptation Under Fire. Ryan argues that the Russia-Ukraine war highlights the crucial role of sound strategy and adaptability in determining military success. He emphasizes how both nations’ pre-war reforms and their ability to adjust tactics during the conflict, alongside strong leadership and institutional learning, are vital lessons for strategists and policymakers.

How can the U.S. and NATO evolve their support for Ukraine from defense to a strategy aimed at securing victory in the conflict? Is the West's current risk tolerance and strategic imagination sufficient to confront authoritarian regimes like Russia and China? Has the Russia-Ukraine war redefined Europe's strategic environment, and how should the West respond to this new geopolitical reality?

You can learn more about The War for Ukraine, and purchase a copy of the book, here: https://www.amazon.com/War-Ukraine-Strategy-Adaptation-Under/dp/1682479528

Check out today’s experts on Twitter:

@joshuachuminski from @CSPC_DC

@WarintheFuture from @LowyInstitute

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Episode 1: World on the Brink with Dmitri Alperovitch

Today on Coffee & Conflict, Joshua Huminski is joined by Dmitri Alperovitch, NSI Advisory Board member and Chairman of the Silverado Policy Accelerator, to discuss his new book, World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century. Alperovitch argues that the U.S. is already in a new Cold War with China, with Taiwan as a potential flashpoint. He outlines a strategy to deter conflict while ensuring America's primacy against a rising China.

How likely is broader conflict in the Taiwan Strait region, starting with an invasion of Taiwan by China? Should we begin viewing our relationship with China through the lens of a new era of strategic competition? Is the U.S. prepared for this evolving geopolitical landscape?

You can learn more about World on the Brink and purchase a copy of the book here: https://worldonthebrink.com/

Check out today’s experts on Twitter:

@joshuachuminski from @CSPC_DC

@DAlperovitch from @SilveradoPolicy

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