Putin's People - How the KGB Took Back Russia and then Took on the West is a comprehensive and eye-opening account of how Vladimir Putin and his cronies rose to power and took control of the Russian government. Written by the award-winning journalist Catherine Belton, the book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the political and economic landscape of modern-day Russia and its relationship with the Western world.

Belton's story begins in the early 1990s, as the Soviet Union was on the brink of collapse and a young Putin was making his way up the ranks of the KGB. Belton provides a detailed and engaging account of Putin's rise to power, tracing his path from a low-level KGB operative to the head of the Russian government. Along the way, we meet a cast of characters, from oligarchs and mob bosses to secret agents and corrupt politicians, who helped Putin cement his authority and accumulate immense wealth and power.

The heart of the book explores the complex and often murky world of Russian business and politics, where powerful interests collude to exert control over the country's natural resources, its economy, and its political system. Belton provides an inside look at the workings of the KGB, as well as the inner workings of the Kremlin, shedding light on the backroom deals, arguments, and intrigues that shape Russian politics today.

Drawing on extensive research and interviews with key players in the Russian government, the book offers a nuanced and insightful analysis of Russia's relationship with the Western world. From the annexation of Crimea to the Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, Belton shows how Putin's regime has pursued a strategy of disruption and confrontation, using a range of tactics, from propaganda and cyber attacks to political blackmail and assassination.

In short, Putin's People - How the KGB Took Back Russia and then Took on the West is a gripping and essential read for anyone interested in the shadowy and often sinister workings of modern-day Russia, its leaders, and its relationship with the wider world.