The New Tsar

The epic tale of Vladimir Putin's path to power, as he emerged from obscurity to become one of the world's most important and dangerous leaders.

In The New Tsar, Steven Lee Myers, the former New York Times Moscow Bureau Chief, presents a meticulously detailed portrait of Vladimir Putin's meteoric rise from a hard-scrabble childhood in Leningrad to the summit of Russian political power. This compelling biography unveils the enigmatic persona of Putin, whose journey from an intelligence officer in the KGB to a resolute leader with an unyielding grip on Russia's future is nothing short of extraordinary.

Myers has been tracking Putin's career long before Putin's aggressive moves in Ukraine, providing readers with the most comprehensive, well-researched, and engaging account of his ascent. The narrative captures Putin's evolution from a reformer who initially advocated economic reforms and political stability, to a leader renowned for his authoritarian rule and geopolitical ambitions, including invasions and military interventions in Crimea and the Middle East.

Throughout the book, readers are introduced to a meticulous and calculated leader, with boundless ambition and scant regard for opposition. As Putin consolidated power, he brought about economic reforms that improved the lives of many Russians, yet his tenure has also been marked by an unprecedented crackdown on dissent, media freedoms, and political opposition. Myers’ account delves deep into these dichotomies, exploring how Putin's policies have shaped Russia and its place on the global stage.

The importance of understanding Putin has never been greater as the world grapples with a resurgent Russia, emboldened by its leader’s audacious strategies. The New Tsar not only offers a profound insight into Putin’s machinations but also reflects on the broader historical and socio-political context that has enabled his enduring command.

The New Tsar is a tour de force in biographical literature, an essential read for anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of one of the most pivotal and destabilising figures in recent history. Steven Lee Myers' exhaustive research and engaging prose make this book an indispensable resource for understanding the indelible impact of Vladimir Putin's rule on Russia and the world.