Russia is back. A new-found confidence is emanating from Moscow as the country emerges from years of turmoil.

President Putin well knows that his country's vast reserves of oil and gas could launch it into a new era of global power and influence, and as head of the G8 this year, Russia has an opportunity to emphasise its role in international affairs.

As the country gears up to host the annual summit in July, Bridget Kendall travels to St Petersburg, Tomsk and Moscow to chair three special debates on the state of Russia today with guests from the worlds of politics, business, journalism and the arts.