Russian Roulette: The Inside Story of Putin's War on America and the Election of Donald Trump [Paperback] [Jan 01, 2018] Michael Isikoff, David Corn by Michael Isikoff and David Corn Summary

1. Russian intelligence targeted 2016 elections via hacking and social media manipulation
2. Trump’s business ties to Russia influenced policy decisions favoring Putin’s agenda
3. The Steele dossier exposed kompromat fears but remains unverified years later
4. Fusion GPS investigators uncovered Trump-Russia deals prompting FBI counterintelligence probes
5. Obama’s delayed response to election interference enabled Russian operatives’ success
6. Manafort-Flynn Kremlin ties revealed systemic campaign collaboration with Russian actors
7. Putin’s long-term strategy exploited US political divisions through cyber espionage
8. Miss Universe Moscow deal laid groundwork for Trump-Agalarov backchannel communications
9. Litvinenko poisoning case foreshadowed Russia’s willingness to deploy lethal operations
10. Trump’s refusal to enforce sanctions cemented Putin’s geopolitical influence
11. Democratic complacency and intelligence failures amplified Russian disruption effectiveness
12. Post-2016 reforms aim to prevent foreign election meddling but gaps persist

Über den Autor von Russian Roulette

Michael Isikoff and David Corn, bestselling authors of Russian Roulette: The Inside Story of Putin’s War on America and the Election of Donald Trump, are award-winning investigative journalists specializing in politics and national security. Isikoff, a former Newsweek correspondent, and Corn, Washington bureau chief for Mother Jones and MSNBC analyst, combine decades of experience uncovering government scandals and geopolitical conflicts. Their expertise in political nonfiction shines in this exposé of Russian election interference, drawing from deep-source networks and classified documents.

The duo previously collaborated on Hubris: The Inside Story of Spin, Scandal, and the Selling of the Iraq War, a New York Times bestseller scrutinizing Bush-era intelligence failures. Corn’s earlier work, The Lies of George W. Bush, cemented his reputation for holding power accountable, while Isikoff’s reporting has shaped high-profile investigations from Whitewater to Trump-Russia ties.

Russian Roulette debuted as a #1 New York Times bestseller, praised for its definitive account of one of America’s most consequential political scandals. The book’s findings fueled congressional hearings and global media coverage, underscoring its enduring relevance.

FAQ zu Russian Roulette

What is Russian Roulette by Michael Isikoff and David Corn about?

Russian Roulette investigates Russia’s interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, detailing Vladimir Putin’s cyber-espionage campaign, Trump team connections to Russian operatives, and the origins of the Steele dossier. The book traces Trump’s business ties to Russia, exposes key figures like Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn, and analyzes how Russian operatives exploited social media to sway voters.

Who should read Russian Roulette?

Political enthusiasts, historians, and readers interested in espionage or modern U.S. politics will find this book essential. It’s ideal for those seeking a granular account of Russian cyberwarfare tactics, Trump-Russia collusion allegations, and the failures of U.S. intelligence agencies to counter foreign interference.

Is Russian Roulette worth reading?

Yes—it’s a New York Times bestselling exposé praised for its riveting narrative and meticulous sourcing. Journalists Corn and Isikoff combine decades of investigative experience to dissect one of America’s most consequential political scandals, offering clarity on complex events like the Steele dossier’s creation and the Magnitsky Act’s role in U.S.-Russia tensions.

What evidence does Russian Roulette present about Trump’s ties to Russia?

The book documents Trump’s pursuit of a Moscow Trump Tower deal during the campaign, interactions with Russian oligarchs, and his team’s meetings with Kremlin-linked figures like lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya. It also details Michael Flynn’s secret communications with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak about sanctions.

How does Russian Roulette explain the Steele dossier’s origins?

It reveals how ex-British spy Christopher Steele compiled the dossier at Fusion GPS’s request, aiming to expose Trump’s alleged compromising ties to Russia. The authors emphasize Steele’s anti-Putin motives and the dossier’s role in prompting FBI investigations, while acknowledging its unverified claims.

What role does Putin play in Russian Roulette?

Putin is portrayed as orchestrating a multi-pronged attack on U.S. democracy through cyberhacks, propaganda, and cultivating Trump as an asset. The book links his grievances over NATO expansion and the Magnitsky Act to Russia’s election meddling.

How does Russian Roulette critique the Obama administration?

It highlights Obama’s delayed response to Russian interference, reluctance to publicly confront Putin, and failure to bolster election cybersecurity despite intelligence warnings. The authors argue this inaction enabled Russia’s influence campaign.

What are the key takeaways from Russian Roulette?

1. Cyberwarfare: Russia’s use of social media trolls and phishing attacks marked a new era of political espionage.
2. Kompromat: Putin’s regime allegedly sought compromising material on Trump to manipulate U.S. policy.
3. Institutional Failures: U.S. agencies underestimated Russia’s capabilities and struggled to coordinate responses.

How does Russian Roulette compare to other Trump-Russia books?

Unlike opinion-driven accounts, Corn and Isikoff focus on reportage over commentary, citing FBI sources, intercepted communications, and insider interviews. It’s often compared to The Apprentice for its granular detail but stands out for its bipartisan critique of U.S. intelligence lapses.

What criticisms exist about Russian Roulette?

Some reviewers note its dense chronology of events may overwhelm casual readers. Critics also argue it leans heavily on circumstantial evidence for Trump-Putin collusion, though the authors stress their findings are investigative rather than conclusive.

How does Russian Roulette address Maria Butina’s role?

The book details Butina’s infiltration of U.S. conservative circles through the NRA, framing her as a Kremlin asset tasked with building backchannels to the Trump campaign. It ties her efforts to Russia’s broader influence strategy targeting right-wing groups.

Why is Russian Roulette relevant in 2025?

With ongoing debates about election security and foreign disinformation, the book remains a cautionary tale about vulnerabilities in democratic systems. Its analysis of social media manipulation foreshadowed today’s AI-driven misinformation campaigns.