In Moscow's Shadows 119: Manifestos to the Left of me, Manifestos to the Right
Oct 22, 2023
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The podcast discusses the contrasting manifestos of Alexei Navalny and Nikolai Patrushev. It explores strategies for the opposition to Putin in the upcoming elections and the importance of Russian elections. The chapter also delves into ordinary Russians' concerns and tectonic changes in the world. Additionally, it examines the Russian perspective on critiquing the West, the Soviet Union's support of democratic leaders, and Russia's aspiration for leadership. Finally, it speculates on potential successors in Moscow and the battle between extremists and compromises.
58:31
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Quick takeaways
Navalny's 10-point questionnaire aims to create a less chaotic and toxic public debate among anti-Putin figures.
Navalny considers the possibility of supporting a 'bad' candidate to cause trouble for the Kremlin.
Patrushev criticizes the West for using military influence to expand their influence and argues for the need to resist Western influence and build geopolitical independence.
Deep dives
Navalny's 10-point questionnaire
Alexei Navalny, from behind bars, issued a 10-point questionnaire for key politicians, public figures, journalists, and activists in order to establish a baseline for general discussion and create a less chaotic and toxic public debate among anti-Putin figures. The questionnaire covers key topics such as the importance of the election, having a clear strategy, boycotting under certain circumstances, voting for any candidate except Putin, appointing a single opposition candidate, and utilizing YouTube during the election campaign.
Navalny's attempt to find the right opposition candidate
Navalny presents a list of potential opposition candidates for the upcoming presidential elections, ranging from plausible candidates like Venyidiktov and Yavlinsky to less likely ones like Zhirinovsky. Despite advocating for voting for any candidate except Putin, Navalny expresses reservations about supporting any of the individuals he listed, raising questions about who he envisions as the ideal opposition candidate.
Potential strategies for the upcoming elections
Navalny considers a boycott as a means to deny Putin full legitimacy, but raises doubts about its effectiveness in the face of potential ballot box stuffing. He also suggests the possibility of supporting a 'bad' candidate who could potentially cause trouble for the Kremlin, rather than aiming for a candidate with the potential to defeat Putin. Navalny emphasizes the importance of continuing opposition efforts beyond the elections, using them as opportunities to agitate on specific issues and mobilize discontent.
Navalny's determination and approach
Navalny's determination to remain a force in Russian politics, even from prison, demonstrates his commitment and the belief that meaningful change can only come from within the country. He recognizes the need to go beyond traditional opposition tactics that have often led to internal disputes and have failed to effectively mobilize against the Kremlin. Navalny aims to build a broad-based coalition that connects with ordinary Russians and addresses their genuine concerns, beyond the political elites in Moscow.
Patrushev's perspective on the world order
Patrushev, the Secretary of the Security Council, presents a view of the world order as a western-centric, colonial system built on predatory and parasitic principles. He criticizes the West for using military influence, threats, and covert operations to expand their influence and undermine other nations' independence. Patrushev argues for the need to resist Western influence and build geopolitical independence, emphasizing a multi-polar world order and alliances with countries that share a historical memory of oppression.
Alexei Navalny has posted a list of 10 questions he thinks all movers and shakers in the Russian (opposition) political scene ought to be asked ahead of the 2024 presidential elections. His questions, and his list of those whom he thinks should answer them, and an interesting bid to remain politically relevant - but also tell us something about his thinking.
On the other end of the political spectrum, uber-hawk Nikolai Patrushev has written an article (available in Russia and a PDF here) which is the best encapsulation yet of his conspiratorial worldview and his idea of how Moscow can assemble a "The Rest vs the West" political coalition. He's wrong.
Two very different men, with very different worldviews. But are there also some telling similarities in their manifestos?
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