Frontline Season 41 Episode 15 Putin's War at Home

In the latest episode of Frontline, titled "Putin's War at Home," the investigative documentary series dives into the ongoing crackdown on dissent in Russia under President Vladimir Putin's rule.

Through interviews with experts, activists, and ordinary Russians, Frontline explores how Putin has consolidated power since coming to office in 1999, and how he has used every tool at his disposal – from the media to the courts to the police – to silence opposition and maintain his grip on the country.

The episode delves into a range of topics related to Putin's crackdown on dissent, including the persecution of opposition figures like Alexei Navalny, the imprisonment of political prisoners such as Crimea activist Oleg Sentsov, and the government's use of "administrative arrests" to hold people without trial for protesting or attending rallies.

Frontline also examines the role that technology has played in the Russian government's efforts to stifle dissent. Technology has been a potent tool for government surveillance and censorship, as well as a means of spreading propaganda and disinformation. Frontline looks at how the government has used trolls, bots, and other digital tactics to manipulate public opinion and silence critics, both at home and abroad.

The episode includes interviews with a range of experts, including Maria Alyokhina of the punk rock collective Pussy Riot, journalist Masha Gessen, and former U.S. ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul. The documentary also features footage of protests and other events in Russia, as well as archival footage and news clips.

Overall, "Putin's War at Home" is a sobering look at the state of democracy and dissent in Russia today. The episode highlights the lengths that Putin and his allies will go to safeguard their power, and the challenges that activists and opposition figures face in challenging the regime. At the same time, it also offers hope, showcasing the bravery and resilience of the many Russians who continue to stand up for their rights and beliefs, even in the face of repression.