In this discussion, Luke Harding, a Senior international correspondent for The Guardian known for his expertise on Russia, shares insights on the tragic death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. He dives into the perilous political landscape in Russia that led to Navalny's poisoning and imprisonment. Harding examines the implications of Navalny's legacy on the fight for democracy. The podcast also poses questions about the future of political opposition in Russia and the West's responses to the grave situation, especially regarding relations with Putin.
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insights INSIGHT
Navalny's Death
Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader, died at 47.
Luke Harding believes the Kremlin murdered Navalny, likely with Putin's approval.
insights INSIGHT
Timing of Navalny's Death
Putin likely timed Navalny's death due to perceived US weakness and upcoming Russian elections.
He sees division in the US and believes he can exploit it.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Navalny's Significance
Navalny was a skilled communicator who connected with people directly.
He used social media effectively to expose corruption, gaining millions of views.
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Russia’s Bloody War and Ukraine’s Fight for Survival
Luke Harding
In 'Invasion: Russia’s Bloody War and Ukraine’s Fight for Survival', Luke Harding delivers a compelling chronicle of the war between Russia and Ukraine. The book is a blend of reportage and history, drawing on Harding’s personal experiences and interviews with political and military leaders, as well as civilians and soldiers. It covers the initial days of the conflict, the grim reality of the ongoing war, and the human stories behind the headlines. Harding also examines the ideological, religious, and personal reasons behind Putin’s decision to invade and provides context by discussing the historical relationship between Russia and Ukraine. The book includes vivid accounts from locations such as Mariupol and Bucha, and it situates these micro-stories within the broader narrative of the conflict and its global implications.
1984
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George Orwell
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, 47, has died in an Arctic prison. The Guardian’s Luke Harding explains the life and death (and afterlife) of Vladimir Putin’s bravest adversary.
This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Jesse Alejandro Cottrell, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Avishay Artsy and Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Rob Byers, and hosted by Noel King.
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