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A Think Tank Analyst Wants To Fight Putin

Published November 3, 2015 at 1:40 PM EST
Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin takes part in a judo training session at the "Moscow" sports complex in St. Petersburg, on December 22, 2010. (Alexey Druzhinin/AFP/Getty Images)
Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin takes part in a judo training session at the "Moscow" sports complex in St. Petersburg, on December 22, 2010. (Alexey Druzhinin/AFP/Getty Images)

We are used to seeing Russian President Vladimir Putin shirtless on horseback, toting a rifle, easily taking down martial arts opponents. Well, a think tank analyst says Putin’s carefully crafted image is phony and affects how the rest of the world responds to his actions.

The analyst Benjamin Wittes is challenging Putin to a fight, any time, any place — where the Russian leader can’t have him arrested. While the challenge may be in jest, it has serious undertones.

Here & Now‘s Robin Young speaks with Wittes about his challenge and the persona Putin has crafted.

Guest

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The independent journalism and non-commercial programming you rely on every day is in danger.

If you’re reading this, you believe in trusted journalism and in learning without paywalls. You value access to educational content kids love and enriching cultural programming.

Now all of that is at risk.

Federal funding for public media is under threat and if it goes, the impact to our communities will be devastating.

Together, we can defend it. It’s time to protect what matters.

Your voice has protected public media before. Now, it’s needed again. Learn how you can protect the news and programming you depend on.

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