Print Introduction

Apr 25, 2012

Bringing together little-known archival footage and brand-new interviews, "Playing for Power" sheds light on the prominent and backroom players who brought Boris Yeltsin to power in 1991, but lost momentum during the implementation of democracy in Russia.

A series of complex power plays brought down the Soviet Union. Mikhail Gorbachev's long-term vision of change opened the door to a range of players, from democratic Russian reformers to hardline Soviet communists. These players competed for power and influence. The winners destroyed the Soviet Union and constructed a flawed democracy in its place.

During this hour-long TV show, the Carnegie Ethics Studio introduces the characters who wrestled for control, and sets out the lessons the world can take from this turbulent period.

Download the PDF below for an introduction to the key players, a timeline of events, and more.

You may also like

Left to Right: Eleonore Fournier-Tombs, Alexis Crews, Eduardo Albrecht. CREDIT: Nia Pipia.

APR 21, 2026 Video

The Ethics of AI Agents in Global Governance

Watch this "Ethics Empowered" event, in which an expert panel grapples with the challenges of AI agents in multilateral and diplomatic spaces.

APR 16, 2026 Podcast

Geopolitics in a Fracturing World, with Aarathi Krishnan

Aarathi Krishnan, CEO of Raksha Intelligence Futures, discusses the political, economic, and technological dynamics shaping this moment of uncertainty and transition in the global system.

APR 10, 2026 Report

Reflections from Uehiro-Carnegie Endowment for Future Generations Study Tour of Japan

Access this report from the Uehiro-Carnegie Endowment for Future Generations study tour, in which Carnegie Council fellows and staff reflect on their trip to Japan.

Non traduit

Ce contenu n'a pas encore été traduit dans votre langue. Vous pouvez demander une traduction en cliquant sur le bouton ci-dessous.

Demande de traduction