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Artwork for Russian Roulette
Russia
Ukraine
China
European Union
Iran
NATO
War In Ukraine
Trump Administration
Ukraine War
United States
Middle East
Sanctions
CSIS
Kremlin
Cold War
Europe
Vladimir Putin
Israel
Kursk
Military Strategy

Hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at CSIS, Russian Roulette explores the politics, history, and complex societies of Russia and Eurasia. Tune in for fascinating interviews and discussions on some of the biggest questions facing the broader post-Soviet space. Produced by Tina Dolbaia and Nick Fenton.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes157Founded10 years ago
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Artwork for Russian Roulette

Latest Episodes

Max and Maria are joined by journalist and author Julia Ioffe to discuss her recent book, Motherland: A Feminist History of Modern Russia, from Revolution to Autocracy.

Motherland is available now from HarperCollins Publishers.

YouTube

Max and Maria are joined by Hanna Notte and Janis Kluge for a deep dive on how the Iran war and turmoil in global energy markets continue to impact Russian foreign policy.

 This conversation was recorded on March 25, 2026.

YouTube

Max sat down with Michael Kimmage for a rapid fire session running over the potential implications of the ongoing war in the Middle East for Russian foreign policy.

This conversation was recorded on March 19, 2026.

YouTube

Max and Maria spoke with Alexander Cooley and Daniel Nexon about how authoritarian and illiberal governments leverage transnational corruption as part of their foreign policies and global strategies.

This conversation was recorded on Tuesday, March ... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Janis Kluge
Deputy Head of the Eastern Europe and Eurasia Division
German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP)
Episode: How the Iran War and the Price of Oil Impact the Kremlin's Calculus
Alexander Cooley
Claire Tow Professor of Political Science at Barnard College; former Director of Harriman Institute
Barnard College / Harriman Institute
Episode: Transnational Corruption in Foreign Policy Today
Daniel Nexon
Professor at Georgetown University, Government and School of Foreign Service
Georgetown University
Episode: Transnational Corruption in Foreign Policy Today
Eric Ciaramella
Senior Fellow in the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; former Deputy National Intelligence Officer for Russia and Eurasia at the National Intelligence Council; former Ukraine Director on the National Security Council Staff
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Episode: Eric Ciaramella on How Europe Can Arm Ukraine
JP Gresh
Retired US Army Colonel and foreign area officer; former defense attaché in Moscow
CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program
Episode: Four Years of the War in Ukraine (Live Event)
Andrian Prokip
Head of the energy program at the Ukrainian Institute for the Future
Ukrainian Institute for the Future
Episode: Ukraine's Ongoing Energy Crisis
Tim McDonnell
Climate and energy editor at Semafor
Semafor
Episode: Ukraine's Ongoing Energy Crisis
Adam Entous
A legendary reporter who has written extensively on U.S.-Ukraine relations and covered the Trump Administration's engagement with Ukraine.
The New York Times
Episode: Adam Entous on U.S.-Ukraine Relations in 2025
Nikolay Petrov
Expert in Russian domestic politics, Senior Research Fellow at the New Eurasian Strategy Center
New Eurasian Strategy Center
Episode: The Increased Level of Repressions Within the Russian Elite

Hosts

Max Bergmann
Director of the Stuart Center and Europe-Russia Eurasia Program at CSIS.
Dr. Maria Snegovaya
Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia at CSIS.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 298 ratings
  • September 2025

    My favorite part of the show is the theme music!

    I imagine Maria dancing to the music, Go-Go Style, in a 1960s mini-skirt!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Geoplanter
    United States7 months ago
  • Great analysis

    Good to hear the full background and insights that these analyst bring.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    >>l
    United Kingdom10 months ago
  • Anti putin anti trump

    Pro DC pro EU pro war

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    very funny and clever pod
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Great wisdom

    The informed and professional people on this show bring a high level of thoughtful discussion.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    QE Infinity
    United Statesa year ago
  • Well-informed insightful analysis

    Excellent analysis, stellar panel of speakers with balanced and engaging hosts. One suggestion: in most analysis I miss the European Union as an agent on its own right. I understand that CSIS is an US based think-tank, but missing the EU’s views leaves the picture incomplete. Of course I am biased, working for one of the EU institutions… but still :-)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kihoyo
    Belgium2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

There are concerns about the audio quality at times, which can detract from the listening experience.
Listeners appreciate the high-quality analysis and expert insights provided by knowledgeable guests and hosts.
Listeners find the discussions on current geopolitical issues timely and relevant, often highlighting the depth of exploration into topics regarding Russia and Ukraine.
Overall, the podcast is viewed as a vital resource for those interested in understanding the complexities of Eurasian politics.
Some feedback indicates that the hosts could improve their conversational dynamics to enhance flow and engagement.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#237
Canada/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#81
Italy/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#183
Australia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#38
Israel/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#70
Ukraine/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#98
Belgium/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How the Iran War and the Price of Oil Impact the Kremlin's Calculus
Q: Janis, maybe you could explain that a little bit about what the de-sanctioning of Russian oil at sea means for market dynamics.
It's a quick fix with limited impact; it helps temporarily reduce discounts on Russian oil and, in some cases, can allow oil to fetch higher prices at Indian ports, but it does not constitute lifting sanctions and the relief is short-lived.
Ukraine's Ongoing Energy Crisis
Q: What steps are being taken right now to make this grid, make Ukraine more energy resilient?
There is a focus on modernizing the energy sector and deploying small-scale energy solutions like solar panels and batteries.
Ukraine's Ongoing Energy Crisis
Q: What is the scale of the Russian assault on the Ukrainian energy system and how is it impacting daily life?
It is severe, with widespread blackouts and lack of heating, leading to a potential humanitarian crisis.
Thresholds of Survival: The Latest Report on Ukrainian Resistance to Russian Occupation by Jade McGlynn
Q: What is your sense of the current mood of the country?
People are exhausted and frustrated, feeling a lack of support from international actors while facing the harsh realities of occupation.
Thresholds of Survival: The Latest Report on Ukrainian Resistance to Russian Occupation by Jade McGlynn
Q: How has the resistance efforts evolved?
The resistance has shifted from public forms to more private and less demonstrative efforts due to increased risks.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Russian Roulette

What is Russian Roulette about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on the intricate politics, history, and societal dynamics of Russia and Eurasia, the content features engaging discussions and thought-provoking interviews with experts on significant issues impacting the post-Soviet landscape. Episodes tackle various themes, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, U.S.-Russia relations, energy crises, and the implications of global geopolitical strategies, providing listeners with nuanced insights that resonate with current events. The hosts' expertise is complemented by a diverse range of guests, enhancing the overall analysis with multiple viewpoints and rich perspectives.

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Which podcasts are similar to Russian Roulette?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Russian Roulette:

1. Pekingology
2. In Moscow's Shadows
3. War on the Rocks
4. ChinaPower
5. The Asia Chessboard

How many episodes of Russian Roulette are there?

Russian Roulette launched 10 years ago and published 157 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Russian Roulette?

Recent guests on Russian Roulette include:

1. Janis Kluge
2. Alexander Cooley
3. Daniel Nexon
4. Eric Ciaramella
5. JP Gresh
6. Andrian Prokip
7. Tim McDonnell
8. Adam Entous

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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