Published in June 2025, Our Dear Friends in Moscow: The Inside Story of a Broken Generation by Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan offers a poignant exploration of Russia's transformation from the hopeful post-Soviet era to its current authoritarian state under Vladimir Putin. This memoir delves into the personal and professional lives of a group of young journalists who, once united by shared ideals, find themselves on divergent paths as the nation's political landscape shifts dramatically.
Overview
Soldatov and Borogan, renowned investigative journalists now living in exile, recount their experiences alongside colleagues from the early 2000s at the newspaper Izvestia. The narrative traces how these friendships evolved—or fractured—as some individuals aligned with the burgeoning authoritarian regime, while others, like the authors, chose resistance, leading to exile and persecution. The memoir provides an intimate look at the emotional and ideological divides that emerged within a generation once united by the promise of a democratic Russia.
Key Themes and Insights
The Fragmentation of a Generation
The book illustrates how the optimism of the 1990s gave way to disillusionment, as the state's increasing control led to a splintering of personal and professional relationships. Friends who once shared common goals found themselves on opposing sides of a deepening ideological divide.
The Erosion of Journalistic Integrity
As the Kremlin tightened its grip on the media, many journalists faced a choice: conform to the state's narrative or risk their careers and safety. The memoir details how some succumbed to pressure, becoming mouthpieces for propaganda, while others upheld journalistic principles at great personal cost.
Isolation and Exile
The authors chronicle their own journey into exile, highlighting the challenges faced by those who oppose the regime. Their experiences underscore the broader theme of isolation—not just geographically, but also emotionally and ideologically—as dissenters are cast out from their homeland and social circles.
The Personal Cost of Political Change
Beyond the political analysis, the memoir delves into the personal toll exacted by Russia's authoritarian turn. It examines the strain on friendships, the loss of trust, and the emotional burden borne by those who resist conformity.
Further Reading
Our Dear Friends in Moscow: The Inside Story of a Broken Generation – Andrei Soldatov & Irina Borogan
The Red Web – Andrei Soldatov & Irina Borogan
The New Nobility – Andrei Soldatov & Irina Borogan
Goodbye to Russia – Sarah Rainsford
Koba the Dread – Martin Amis
Nothing is True and Everything is Possible – Peter Pomerantsev