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Foreign Affairs

(769 posts)

7. Putin probably does not understand Karamazov

Fri Mar 14, 2025, 08:59 PM

Mar 14

There have been reports that it is one of his favorite books:

https://www.litsalon.co.uk/2022/12/21/the-brothers-karamazov-vladimir-putins-favourite-novel/

However, one of the themes of the novel is suffering.

Both Trump and Putin have caused a lot of suffering.

Austin Ratner wrote that Putin misunderstands Dostoyevsky:

https://lithub.com/dear-vladimir-putin-if-youve-read-dostoevsky-youve-tragically-misunderstood-him/

The section I quoted is from Book Two: An Inappropriate Gathering; Chapter 2: The Old Buffoon.

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Highlight:

Fiona Hill...how she believes Putin actually mocked Trump during their exchanges. [View all] littlemissmartypants Mar 14 OP

Hill certainly is an expert voice. FailureToCommunicate Mar 14 #1

Three suggestions... littlemissmartypants Mar 14 #4

Is there a transcript? JoseBalow Mar 14 #6

Brothers Karamazov bmichaelh Mar 14 #3

Isn't... littlemissmartypants Mar 14 #5

Putin probably does not understand Karamazov bmichaelh Mar 14 #7

TY! ❤️ littlemissmartypants Mar 14 #8