Active Measures

The documentary begins by exploring the tumultuous early life of Vladimir Putin, which includes a dramatic event during World War II. His father, Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin, notably saved his mother from a near-fatal mistake, illustrating an early sense of survival that influences Putin's worldview.

At just 22 years old, Vladimir Putin begins his career with the KGB during a pivotal moment in his life. While he downplays his role as a simple press clippings gatherer, the documentary reveals his involvement in protecting Russian spies in the U.S. and using active measures to affect American policymaking.

As the 1990s unfold, Putin climbs the political ladder amidst rampant organized crime and corruption in St. Petersburg. These connections lay the groundwork for his future consolidation of power and highlight the unseemly alliances he formed in pursuit of political ascent.

The documentary raises serious allegations regarding the 1999 apartment bombings in Russia, suggesting they were orchestrated by the FSB under Putin's leadership. These events are seen as false flags designed to garner public support for his presidential campaign, which he announced shortly thereafter.

Putin's regime is characterized by a brutal crackdown on oligarchs, pushing many into exile or compliance. The film illustrates how he consistently eliminates opposition, surrounding himself with former intelligence agents to secure his control over critical economic areas.

During a challenging period, Donald Trump is introduced in the documentary, with suggestions that Trump Tower and the Trump Casino served as money laundering fronts. This connection hints at a larger network involving Russian organized crime during his business ventures.

In 2007, the documentary chronicles a significant cyberattack on Estonia, which marks an escalation in Russia's cyber warfare tactics. This event is framed as a preparedness rehearsal for future aggressive actions against neighboring countries.

The narrative continues with Russia's invasion of Georgia in 2008, which exemplifies Putin's strategic ambitions. The documentary connects this military action to the broader context of regional instability and Russian foreign policy objectives.

As tensions escalate during Putin’s rule, the film investigates the Russian interference in Ukraine's political landscape. This includes campaigns of disinformation that target prominent leaders and undermine democratic processes.

The documentary reveals Putin's sophisticated methods of manipulating public perception through propaganda and cyber attacks. Insights from intelligence officials highlight the extensive Russian presence in the United States, emphasizing the threat posed by espionage.

In a pivotal moment, the 2013 Miss Universe Pageant held in Moscow is examined for its implications. The event is presented as a reflection of Trump's connections to Russian interests, further entwining his business dealings with international politics.

The fallout from the hacking of emails during the 2016 election campaign significantly altered the American political landscape. Favoritism towards Hillary Clinton among DNC officials is exposed, leading to a crisis of trust within the party and heightened partisan tensions.

The film also touches upon the emergence of conspiracy theories like Pizzagate, which were fueled by Russian-backed disinformation campaigns. These tactics illustrate the strategic manipulation of public discourse aimed at influencing U.S. voters.

In a powerful conclusion, the documentary asserts that Russian active measures are not relics of the past but continue to evolve. It warns that these expertly crafted tactics pose ongoing threats to democracies around the world, reshaping political landscapes internationally.