Russia: Spies, Disinformation Campaigns, and the Rise of Putinism, with Ambassador Jon Huntsman, Jr.

Jon Huntsman, Jr. served as U.S. Ambassador to Russia from 2017 – 2019, during one of the most difficult periods in bilateral relationships since deep in the Cold War.  He joined Dan to break down the complex foreign policy issues involving the two countries.  What’s the truth behind the Michael Flynn investigation and what would an actual Russian intelligence operation look like? How does the average Russian view America and their own country’s place in the world? Why has Vladimir Putin’s persona become so deeply entwined with their cultural identity? What is Putin’s worldview – is he Peter the Great or Ivan the Terrible – and what can we expect to happen to Russia when he does exit the stage?

Jon Huntsman is the only ambassador to ever serve in both China (2009 – 2011) and Russia (2017 – 2019), as well as Singapore (1992 – 1993). He was the Governor of Utah (Jan. 2005 – Aug. 2009), served as the Chair of the Western Governors Association, and under his leadership Utah was ranked as the best managed state in America by Pew Center on the States.