Skip to main content
Back to Show
Compass Points from PBS News

How Moscow’s turbulent past shapes Putin’s vision for Russia

Season 2026 Episode 18

Moscow started as a fort on a hill and has survived invasion, revolution, civil war and Soviet collapse to transform into a formidable world power. But with the limits of Russia's power tested in Ukraine, is history doomed to repeat itself? Nick Schifrin discusses how Moscow's complex past helps us understand the present with Simon Morrison, author of "A Kingdom and a Village."

Support Provided By
NATO leaders assess America’s reliability as an ally
26:46
In Munich, NATO leaders assess America’s reliability as an ally
With a deadlocked front line, the state of Ukraine peace talks and what Putin wants
26:58
The state of Ukraine peace talks and what Putin wants
How vulnerable is Iran’s regime after the massive protests?
26:46
After massive protests and a deadly crackdown, how vulnerable is Iran’s regime?
Trump backs down from Greenland, but how much damage has been done?
26:46
Trump backs down, but how much damage has been done?
Trump’s worldview and a rapidly changing global order
26:46
Trump’s worldview and a rapidly changing global order
Active loading indicator