In Moscow's Shadows

In Moscow's Shadows 135: Navalny in the late Soviet Union

Feb 18, 2024

Exploring Navalny's impact in Russia, comparing late Soviet era to Putinism, analyzing power dynamics, discussing bottom-up resistance and charismatic leadership, and reflecting on hope in resisting authoritarian control.

01:01:12

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Late Putinism mirrors Soviet era authoritarianism in governance style.

Navalny's significance is evident despite regime attempts to downplay it.

Skepticism surrounds the promised investigation into Navalny's death.

Deep dives

Navalny's Death and the Reactions on Social Media

The podcast host expresses shock and sadness over the death of Navalny and highlights the strange reactions on social media, where some people question why his death is surprising. The host emphasizes the personal impact of the news and discusses the challenge of fully understanding the circumstances surrounding Navalny's death.

Introduction

3min

Navalny's Impact and Russia's Political Landscape

15min

Comparing Late Soviet Russia to Current Putinism and Navalny's Case

3min

Navalny's Brave Return

8min

Analysis of Political Power Dynamics and Dissent in Russian Politics

6min

Bottom-Up Resistance and Navalny's Charismatic Leadership

22min

The Struggle Between Hope and Hopelessness

4min

Well, not really, but how Navalny's awful death helps illustrate how late Putinism in its 'banana republic' phase comes to resemble the later Soviet era -- and what this may mean for its future.

My video on Navalny is here and Sunday Times article is here. The Moskovsky Komsomolets article I cite is here.

The podcast's corporate partner and sponsor is Conducttr, which provides software for innovative and immersive crisis exercises in hybrid warfare, counter-terrorism, civil affairs and similar situations.

You can also follow my blog, In Moscow's Shadows, and become one of the podcast's supporting Patrons and gain question-asking rights and access to exclusive extra materials right here.

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